L5 - Blown Away

Question 1

What is desertification?

Answer 1

The process by which fertile land becomes desert

Question 2

How could climate change threaten cold extreme environments?

Answer 2

Melting of Sea Ice and Permafrost and changes to animal migration routes (e.g. Narwhal)

Question 3

How could climate change threaten hot extreme environments?

Answer 3

Drought (reduced rainfall) and expansion of arid areas by desertification

Question 4

Why is ‘The Sahel’ region of Africa vulnerable to climate change?

Answer 4

Located at the southern boundary of the migrating Sahara desert (a high pressure area)

Question 5

How are humans making desertification worse?

Answer 5

Population growth puts pressure on environment in form of deforestation,overgrazing and groundwater extraction.

Question 6

How does desertification alter the hydrological system?

Answer 6

Less vegetation means less interception and transpiration (so less moisture in air) - increases surface run-off and soil erosion

Question 7

How is the local indigenous culture threatened?

Answer 7

Unreliable water means changes to species migration routes, and malnourished animals. Reduced opportunities may lead to out-migration.

Question 8

What is the Great Green Wall Initiative?

Answer 8

African Union project to plant 8000 km ‘wall of trees’ across Sahel region of Africa to try and stop desertification