Desertification Flashcards
define desertification
the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture
give 4 causes of desertification
climate change
vegetation destroyed
overpopulation
over-cultivation
climate change -> desertification
eg in the Sahel
unreliable rainfall
dryer conditions
vegetation destroyed -> desertification
soil exposed to wind and rain
leads to soil erosion
overpopulation -> desertification
areas are overgrazed
destroys plant - too many animals
increased need for firewood
over-cultivation -> desertification
lands becomes exhausted
becomes infertile
desertification in the Badia, Jordan
overgrazing after Gulf War 1991 - sheep
annual rainfall <150mm
traditionally grazed by nomadic Bedouin
people moved away - unproductive land
desertification in the Gobi, China
threatens 1/3 China’s population
1/3 land area eroded
400 million struggling with unproductive soil and lack of water
3600km² grassland to desert per year
give 5 ways to reduce desertification
water and soil management stone walls + atriplex national parks tree planting appropriate technology
water management in Australia
ponding banks
contour traps
reducing desertification in the Badia, Jordan
Tal Rimah Rangeland Rehabilitation Project
stone walls - prevent water running down slopes
atriplex - holds soil together, food for sheep
more vegetation - encourages other species
national parks -> reduced desertification
protection
huge areas covered
tree planting -> reduced desertification
reduces erosion
shade and grazing
prosopis cineraria in Thar
appropriate technology -> reduced desertification
magic stones in Burkina Faso
reduce erosion
trap water for crops
