Desertiication Case Stufyf

Question 1

Name of desertification case study? And location?

Answer 1

THE SAHEL
Semi arid area
Transition from the Sahara and North Tropical forests
Extends from west Atlantic Ocean to the East Indian Ocean
Large population (60 million) - growing 3.5% each year
Scattered vegetation (trees and shrubs)
Seasonal (wet and dry season)

Question 2

What are the causes of desertification?

Answer 2

1. Population growth
2. Deforestation and overgrazing, continuous cropping.
3. Soil fertility declining, soil degradation, vulnerable
4. Climate change (less rainfall)

Question 3

What are the impacts of desertification ?

Answer 3

Ecosystem -> soil fertility is declining

Landscape -> Barren, flat. No present vegetation

Populations -> loss of agricultural areas, economy hit. Cause widespread famine. Shales area has 75% of worlds poorest countries

Question 4

What are the responses to desertification ?

Answer 4

Resilience

Mitigation - the great green wall, reforestation, (roots hold soil together, leaves shade the ground, tree replenishes nutrients when it dies and rots)

Adaption - tether animals, France grazing areas and move animals systamictically
- plant drought resistant crops (grass)