Geographical Phenomena Flashcards
What is Soil
the layer of organic and mineral matter that is crucial for plant growth. Humas or decomposed vegetation and animal matter provide the soil with nutrients which can be taken up by roots
Soil Erosion
the process caused by water, win or ice and involves the removal of soil particles from land and depositing it in rivers, on land elsewhere or in the Sea
Soil Conservation
Soil Conservation is a combination of practices used to protect the soil from degradation. First and foremost, soil conservation involves treating the soil as a living ecosystem. This means returning organic matter to the soil on a continual basis.
The effects of Soil Conservation and Conservation on Caribbean Society and Culture
the hilly and remote terrain in the interior of the Caribbean countries can limit settlement. This is because these areas are harder and more expensive to clear. The thin soils are also not favorable to the expansion of farming here and this has historically made the flatter areas more useful, as thicker soils have formed around river valleys as alluvial deposits
Coral Reefs
A large underwater strip or atoll, made from the skeletons of marine animal called polyps. there are hard and soft corals and colonies of these inhabit shallow water along rocky coasts in the tropical latitudes.
Coastal Protection
The reef front faces the incoming waves and thus shallowing of the sea bed forces the waves to break and slow down before they reach the coastline. When destructive waves and storm surges reach the coral reef during storms, the reef acts as a buffer for the shore.
Sustainability of the Fishing Industry
Fishing villages rely on the sea to support their livelihood. Often, inside the calm lagoon is an ideal fish landing harbor. Fish and seafood, including lobster, crab and conch, can be supplied for export, but controls on numbers taken ensure sustainable fish stocks exist for the future.
Threats to and Preservation of Coastal Habitats
- coastal development can destroy habitats by draining wetlands and causing soil erosion and siltation of the sea, which blocks sunlight from the corals
- cruise ships and watersports can pollute the sea with oil and can damage corals. Anchors, anchor chains and divers walking on and touching the reef can damage the polyps.
- toxic chemicals from industries near the coast leave some coastlines barren
Droughts
A drought is a period when there is insufficient rainfall to sustain plant growth. In turn, crop yields decline and there may be a shortage of planting materials, including seedlings or cuttings for grafting.
In response, governments may have to borrow money or divert capital from other sectors. With reduced water supplies, farmers may have to limit the number of animals kept on farms and water companies may have to spend more money on creating new or additional supplies.
Floods
A flood happens when water is unable to permeate the soil or rises above its surface, resulting in overflowing river valleys with blocked roads and flooded buildings. They are usually the result of heavy or persistent rainfall.
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), roughly situated along the equator, is a boundary zone between the north-east trade winds and the south-east trade winds.
Social and Economic Impacts of Drought and Flooding
Droughts and floods can both cause major disruptions to local communities. Agriculture employs many people, and creates food and raw materials for secondary industries. However, a scarcity of water will reduce the cultivable area, which can cause a reduction in agricultural workers needed to plant and harvest crops as well as having a detrimental effect on the income of farmers.
Droughts can have social and health effects, such as poor sanitation, malnutrition and food contamination.
