The phenomenon that occurs primarily due to a lack of vegetation in the environment is drought. Vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle and contributing to local humidity through processes such as transpiration. When vegetation is sparse, there is a significantly reduced capacity for the soil to retain moisture, leading to lower humidity levels and drier conditions.
Droughts can result from prolonged periods without precipitation, but they are exacerbated by the absence of plants, which would normally help to capture and utilize moisture from the atmosphere. Furthermore, without vegetation, the soil can experience increased erosion, making it more difficult for water to infiltrate and sustain its moisture levels.
Other options, while related to environmental conditions, do not primarily arise from a lack of vegetation. Flooding is typically influenced by excessive rainfall and poor drainage rather than the presence or absence of plants. Landslides often occur due to steep terrain, heavy rainfall, or geological conditions rather than solely from a lack of vegetation. Mine collapses are linked to human activities and the stability of underground structures and are not directly related to vegetation. Thus, drought is the most closely associated phenomenon with a lack of vegetation.