Chapter 15- World Climates and Natural Regions (The Boreal Climate and the Hot Desert Climate)

Question 1

Name one type of cold climate?

Answer 1

The boreal climate

Question 2

Describe summers in boreal climates

Answer 2

Short
Cool
Long days
Average temperatures of over 6 degrees

Question 3

Describe winters in boreal climates

Answer 3

Long
Dark
Cold-> -18 degrees
Short days

Question 4

Describe precipitation in boreal climates

Answer 4

Rainfall is low

Heavy snowfall in winter

Question 5

Give reasons why boreal summers are short and cool with long days

Answer 5

Short- the area is far from the equator
Cool- far from equator
Long days- northern hemisphere tilted towards sun

Question 6

Give reasons why boreal winters are long, dark, cold and have short days

Answer 6

Long- far from equator, tilted away from sun most of year
Dark- tilted away from sun
Cold- Suns Ray’s are at an angle
Short days- tilted away from sun, very little light

Question 7

Give reasons why there is low rainfall and heavy snowfall in boreal regions

Answer 7

Low rainfall- polar winds are too cold to hold rain

Heavy snowfall- very cold

Question 8

What trees can be found in boreal climates?

Answer 8

Coniferous forests of pine and spruce

Question 9

How do trees adapt to boreal climates?

Answer 9

Shallow roots
Needle like leaves -don’t lose moisture
Thick bark -retains moisture and protects from the wind
Branches are downward sloping -snow falls off

Question 10

What animals cane be found in boreal climates?

Answer 10

Mink
Squirrel
For
Bears

Question 11

How do animals adapt to boreal climates?

Answer 11

Thick fur- keeps them warm in winter + cool in summer
Some animals change colour for camouflage
Bears hibernate in winter

Question 12

What people live in boreal climates?

Answer 12

Nomadic Lapps (Sami) so northern Scandinavia move around for reindeer herding, some work in forestry + mining

Question 13

What is permafrost?

Answer 13

Permanently frozen ground underneath the surface

Question 14

Name a hot world climate

Answer 14

The hot desert climate

Question 15

Name 3 features of hot desert climates

Answer 15

High daytime temperatures (30-50 degrees)
Low night-time temperatures (get to 5 degrees)
Conditions are very dry, rainfall is rare, annual total less than 100mm
Long periods for drought with occasional sudden downpours

Question 16

What is desertification?

Answer 16

Turning of land into desert

Question 17

Where is desertification most likely to happen?

Answer 17

Dry areas at edge of deserts

E.g. The Sahel, south of the Sahara

Question 18

What are the causes of desertification?

Name 3

Answer 18

Drought
Population growth
Increased numbers of cattle and sheep

Question 19

Describe how drought contributes to desertification

Answer 19

There is little or no rainfall in the Sahel

Global warming has resulted in less rain and more droughts

Question 20

Describe how population increase contributes to desertification

Answer 20

There is greater demand for firewood so trees are cut down

There is more demand for food so forests are cleared for farming

Question 21

Describe how increased numbers of cattle and sheep contributes to desertification

Answer 21

Overgrazing
Vegetation is reduced and soil is blown away (soil erosion)
The desert sand invades and the desert advances

Question 22

Name and explain 3 effects of desertification

Answer 22

Famines

• large numbers die
• many that survive live in refugee camps

People forced to migrate to grassland
- puts savanna areas under pressure as increased population cuts down trees for firewood

Some people move to cities
-cause overcrowding in cities

Question 23

Name and explain 4 solutions to desertification

Answer 23

Planting trees and drought resistant plants will slow movement of sand
New breeds of animals can be introduced that are more suited to drier climates
Creating new grassland would conserve soil and water
Deeper wells can be dug for irrigation schemes to help plant and crop growth