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There isn't any direct effect of humans on a desert but chopping off trees and the release of CO2 is effecting the global warming which is causing a lot of rivers to dry and are causing deserts to be formed.

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Humans have lived in deserts for eons. In the southwestern U.S. there is archaeological evidence dating from the 900s AD. They hunted, farmed and lived in the same areas, traveling from place to place seasonally without too much effect on the ecosystem. Near Tucson, Arizona, there are miles of canals they built to divert water from the Santa Cruz to farm. Nearby mountains are terraced, which added to the months available to grow food.

These days, human effects on the biome are prevalent. The Santa Cruz doesn't run anymore, since the large populations of the cities have caused the water table to drop drastically. Water from the Colorado River does not flow as heavily as before since there are many upstream diversions. Temperatures have increased due to the building of roads, parking lots and buildings, which are called "heat islands." Local wild animals, including javalinas, coyotes, bobcats and others are readily seen down in the city, as people have built more houses in their usual habitats. Local mine tailings are visible and the effects of those on the local water system is being heavily debated.

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9y ago

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