L5 - Blown Away Flashcards Preview

Yr 9 Geography - Extreme Environments > L5 - Blown Away > Flashcards

Flashcards in L5 - Blown Away Deck (8)
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1
Q

What is desertification?

A

The process by which fertile land becomes desert

2
Q

How could climate change threaten cold extreme environments?

A

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

3
Q

How could climate change threaten hot extreme environments?

A

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

4
Q

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

A

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

5
Q

How are humans making desertification worse?

A

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

6
Q

How does desertification alter the hydrological system?

A

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

7
Q

How is the local indigenous culture threatened?

A

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

8
Q

What is the Great Green Wall Initiative?

A

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