2.5 Case Study - Sahara Desert

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

• The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world at 9.4 million km2.
• The Sahara covers many different countries (Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia etc.)
• The Sahara desert is located in North Africa. I covers from the Morocco to Eritrea.

Question 2

Months with the most rainfall in the Sahara

Answer 2

June and January

Question 3

Total rainfall in the Sahara

Answer 3

7mm

Question 4

Average high temperature

Answer 4

37 degrees celcius in June

Question 5

Average low temperature

Answer 5

12 degrees celcius in January

Question 6

Factors influencing the climate of the Sahara (4)

Answer 6

Sunlight - the Sahara is located 15-35° north of the equator so it experiences direct overhead sunlight
Air movement - the Sahara is located underneath the Hadley cell
Out blowing winds – are created by the Sahara and sent to the ocean or towards the Sahel
Cold Ocean Currents - Canaries current brings cold moist air

Question 7

Sahar food web

Answer 7

Larger predators: hawk, kit fox
Small predators, carnivores, insectivores: tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, snakes
Plant eaters, primary consumers: insects, lizards, rodents, kangaroo, rats
Primary producers: cacti, thorn acacias, ocotillo