Desalination is one way that countries in the Middle East/Southwest Asia and North Africa are \( = \) (A) providing more usable water for the people and Industry. (B) refining petroleum more quickly for use in industry. (C) finding natural gas more easily. (D) creating more livable land on which people can farm.

Desalination is a crucial process in arid regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where freshwater resources are scarce. By converting seawater into drinking water, countries are effectively addressing water scarcity, supporting agriculture, and fostering industrial growth. This technology plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable water supplies for the growing populations that rely on available resources for health, economic development, and food security. For those interested in the mechanics of desalination, there are two primary methods: reverse osmosis and distillation. Reverse osmosis uses a semipermeable membrane to filter out salt and impurities, while distillation involves boiling seawater and collecting the condensate. Both methods can be energy-intensive, leading to ongoing research into more efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to power these facilities, making desalination a key component in the future of water management.