Desertification

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  • Created by: CMR71
  • Created on: 15-06-18 20:22
What is classed as a desert?
Areas that typically have less than 250mm of rain a year.
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Desertification
The process by which fertile land becomes a desert
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What areas are at risk of desertification?
Margins of desert areas where over 1 billion people currently depend on these areas surviving mainly by farming
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Name a reason for desertification
Unreliable rainfall, over cultivation, overgrazing
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Where is the Sahel located
Africa
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Reason for desertification in the Sahel
Variable rainfall, overgrazing and overcultivation
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How can the removal of trees impact on desertification
Remove roots to bind soil, removes shade which dries out soil, both lead to soil erosion
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Changing Climate impacts on desertification why?
Less rainfall means the area is incapable of supporting life so people move away. More intense storms lead to erosion of the soil. More intense heat leads to greater evaporation.
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What are the human causes of desertification?
Slash and burn of trees to clear areas for farming. Increased need for firewood means tress are cut down to supply the wood. Overgrazing of animals as people are now more likely to stay in one place rather than move around.
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What is an example of managing desertification?
The Great Green Wall
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What is the Great Green Wall?
An agreement between 11 countries to grow a 15km wide ***** of trees and shrubs to attempt to prevent the southward spread of the Sahara Desert.
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What are 3 features of the Great Green Wall?
1. Protects the soil in the rainy season 2. Provides shade for crops 3. Leaves and other materials decompose in soil
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What are the 3 relating benefits of the Great Green Wall?
1. Reduces rate of soil erosion 2. reduces transpiration and increases yields 3. Adds to soil structure to reduce erosion
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Non-governmental organisations
Not for profit groups that attempt to address a particular issue
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Bottom-up developments
Changes agreed and developed at the local level actively involving local people who will be affected by the changes
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Give an example of a drought tolerant crop?
Pearl Millet - Provides food, fuel and construction material
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Desertification

Back

The process by which fertile land becomes a desert

Card 3

Front

What areas are at risk of desertification?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Name a reason for desertification

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Where is the Sahel located

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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