Hot Desert Case Study: Namib

Question 1

Climate

Answer 1

Arid with sparse unpredictable rainfall and the main source of moisture are the coastal fogs

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

Occupies the coastal edge of Namibia

Question 3

Pencil bush

Answer 3

Reverses transpiration by absorbing water through the leaves and transporting it down to the roots
Succulent stem allow it to store water

Question 4

Quiver tree

Answer 4

Reflective white coating of powder-protects branches from heat of the sun
Thick, succulent leaves to hold water
Hoisted 20ft high so there is less evaporative loss

Question 5

Welwitschia plant

Answer 5

Found in Namib desert
Long drooping leaves-catch condensation from fog to water roots
Long tap root absorbs water from infrequent rain
Stomata closed during the day to absorb water

Question 6

Tourism general information

Answer 6

Tourism is a major industry in Namibia

Nearly 1 million travellers visit a year

Question 7

Tourism facts

Answer 7

Arid conditions are perfect for extreme sports such as desert runs and ultra-triathlons: 2009 Namibia Ultramarathon
4X4 dune driving tours into the massive dunes south of the Kuiseb river
Dune hang gliding
Dune boarding
Dune skiing
Wildlife: “The Living Desert”, because of the large number of living species found there.
National parks: Namib-Naukluft