2. Deserts Flashcards
1
Q
Aridity index
A
Mean annual precipitation/ potential evapotranspiration
2
Q
Arid
A
The climate of an area that receives less than 250mm of precipitation per year
3
Q
Continentality
A
The impact of increasing distance from the coast on the climate of an area
4
Q
Desert
A
An arid environment receiving very low levels of rainfall
5
Q
Semi arid
A
The climate of an area that receives between 250 and 500mm of precipitation per year
6
Q
Water balance
A
The relationship between the annual precipitation received and the amount of water lost to potential evapotranspiration.
7
Q
4 types of plants
A
- Xerophytes
- Ephemeral
- Halophytes
- Phreatophytes
8
Q
Xerophytes (succulents)
A
- Store water in fleshy leaves, stems, roots or cells where it is not easily lost
- All cacti are succulents
- Need protection from thirsty animals - thus have spikes or are toxic
