Usage patterns
〈物〉の荒れがひどいthe roughness/storminess of ~ is severe
The seas were so rough that the ship couldn't leave port.
〈物〉の荒れを防ぐto prevent roughness/chapping of ~
I use moisturizing cream to prevent my skin from getting chapped.
〈物〉の荒れが収まるthe roughness/storminess of ~ subsides
The rough seas calmed down by nightfall.
Expressions
荒れ地を拓くopen up unbroken land; cultivate wasteland