Desert - Case Studies Flashcards
Where is the saguaros cactus found?
Sonaran desert
What are the adaptations of the saguaros cactus?
Slow growing Pleated trunks inflate to store water (1000L/5 tonnes at a time) Arms only grow after 75 years Waxy skin prevents evaporation Spikes don't transpire Long shallow roots Seeds lie dormant until rain
Where is a camel found?
Sahara desert
What are the adaptations to a camel’s head?
Opening and closing nostrils keep sand out
Long eyelashes and bushy eyebrows
Tough tongue and teeth (can eat anything)
Name some adaptations to a camels legs
Leathery feet and knees stop it burning in the hot sand
Long legs create cooling distance between the sand
Two toes feet spread the weight
What are the adaptations to a camels body?
Sandy colour reflects sun Thin hair on tummy keeps internal organs cool Hump stores fat for fuel reserves Thick wool on back for warmth at night Concentrated urine and dry faeces
What are the main facts about the Sahel?
Between the Sahara desert and the Savannah grasslands Place of desertification 300-500km wide Semi arid Stretches across Northern Africa
What are the features of the Sahel?
Dry infertile soil Fragile land Exposed soil Minimal and sparse vegetation Small leaves on vegetation Lots of cattle
What countries are affected by desertification?
Mali Sudan Chad Nigeria Niger
How much is the desert in Niger increasing every year?
6km
What are they doing in Burkina Faso to manage the land?
Rock walls (bunding) stops rain water running away and prevents wind blowing away the soil
Solar power - solar fridges
Plant trees
Demilunes trap rain and divert into fields and retain water for plants
Organic fertilisers and pesticides are grown locally
What country is Darfur in?
Sudan
What are the issues in Darfur?
Famine
Worst drought for 60 years
Civil war between Arab Muslims (janjaweed) and African farmers
Refugees and IDP’s (internally displaced people)
What is the name for a dry loving plant?
Xerophyte
