Desert case studies Flashcards
(16 cards)
Which AQA Geography topic includes desertification case studies?
Hot Desert Systems and Processes.
Where is the Sahara Desert located?
Northern Africa, across countries like Algeria, Mali, and Niger, part of the Sahel region.
What are the climatic conditions in the Sahara?
Extremely arid, less than 250mm rainfall annually, high temperatures, large diurnal range.
How has desertification affected the Sahel region in the Sahara?
Degraded soils, food insecurity, famine, forced migration.
What are the human causes of desertification in the Sahara?
Overgrazing, population pressure, overcultivation, deforestation for fuelwood.
What are the physical causes of desertification in the Sahara?
Low and unreliable rainfall, droughts, climate variability.
What are the impacts of desertification in the Sahara?
Loss of arable land, reduced agricultural output, malnutrition, displacement.
What is a key management strategy in the Sahara?
The Great Green Wall—an African Union initiative planting trees across 11 countries to reduce land degradation.
Where is Andalusia located?
Southern Spain, part of the Mediterranean biome.
Why is Andalusia an important case study for desertification?
It is the most desertified region in Europe, affected by semi-arid conditions and human mismanagement.
What physical factors contribute to desertification in Andalusia?
Hot, dry summers; low and erratic rainfall; natural droughts.
What human factors have led to desertification in Andalusia?
Over-irrigation, intensive monoculture, tourism pressure, deforestation.
What are the environmental impacts of desertification in Andalusia?
Loss of topsoil, reduced biodiversity, increased erosion and salinization.
What are the socio-economic impacts of desertification in Andalusia?
Lower agricultural productivity, rural depopulation, economic decline in farming areas.
What management strategies are used in Andalusia?
Sustainable agriculture (e.g. organic farming), drip irrigation, terracing, and reforestation.
What EU project combats desertification in Andalusia?
LIFE Desert-Adapt—supports sustainable land use, water conservation, and climate adaptation.
