Hot deserts

Question 1

Where are most of the worlds hot deserts located?

Answer 1

20-30° North and South of the equator

Question 2

Why are hot deserts so arid?

Answer 2

They are located on belts of high pressure so the sinking air prevents formation of clouds and rain.

Question 3

what is the annual rainfall like in hot deserts?

Answer 3

less than 250mm

Question 4

What are summer temperatures like in hot deserts?

Answer 4

Above 40°

Question 5

What is the landscape of hot deserts like?

Answer 5

Rocky, desolate

Question 6

What is biodiversity like in hot deserts?

Answer 6

Very limited biodiversity

Question 7

How have kangaroo rats adapted to hot desert climate?

Answer 7

They produce little urine to retain water
Live in burrows in the day to shelter from the heat

Question 8

How have fennec foxes adapted to hot desert conditions?

Answer 8

Their large ears dissipate body heat
Sandy fur helps reflect heat and camouflage

Question 9

How have camels adapted to hot desert climate?

Answer 9

Can drink up to 32 gallons of water in one sitting
Store fat in a store

Question 10

How are linear leaves an adaptation to hot desert climate?

Answer 10

Reduce loss of water from evapotranspiration

Question 11

How are tap roots an adaptation to hot climate?

Answer 11

They run deep (25m) to search for deep water

Question 12

What is our case study for a hot desert?

Answer 12

Western Desert, USA

Question 13

Which States is the Western Desert located

Answer 13

New Mexico, Arizona , California

Question 14

Why does tourism happen in deserts?

Answer 14

Many deserts are National Parks
Learn about Native American culture

Question 15

Which dam is in the Western desert?

Answer 15

The Hoover Dam

Question 16

How many visitors does the hoover dam attract per year?

Answer 16

37 million

Question 17

Which lake does the Hoover dam pass through?

Answer 17

Lake Mead

Question 18

What are the challenges about tourism in the Western Desert?

Answer 18

The hot climate makes it uncomfortable for visitors
Air conditioning is expensive

Question 19

Why does farming happen in deserts?

Answer 19

Spacious areas, high sunlight and access to aquafers

Question 20

What are aquafers?

Answer 20

Underground water stores

Question 21

Which place grows fruits and vegetables in the Western Desert?

Answer 21

Coachella Valley

Question 22

What percentage of the Colorado river is used for agriculture?

Answer 22

80%

Question 23

What percentage of income is agriculture from colorado river?

Answer 23

10%

Question 24

What challenges are related to farming in deserts?

Answer 24

-aquafers cannot recharge
-high rates of evapotranspiration
-limited water supplies

Question 25

Why does energy generation occur in deserts?

Answer 25

High sunlight allows for solar energy Hoover dam--> hydroelectric power

Question 26

Why does mineral extraction occur in deserts?

Answer 26

Deserts are rich in coal, copper and uranium

Question 27

What is a case study specific for mineral extraction?

Answer 27

Ajo, Arizona

Question 28

What are the social challenges of mineral extraction?

Answer 28

Poor working conditions Navajo people displaced

Question 29

What are the economic challenges of mineral extraction?

Answer 29

Very high costs of work

Question 30

What are the environmental challenges of mineral extraction?

Answer 30

-Soil erosion is common -Water contamination

Question 31

Why is accessibility an issue of hot deserts?

Answer 31

Lack of surfaced roads

Question 32

Which road was constructed in the Western Desert?

Answer 32

Route 66

Question 33

Which states does Route 66 connect?

Answer 33

Chicago and California

Question 34

What is the temperature in Death Valley?

Answer 34

54.4°

Question 35

What is desertification?

Answer 35

The process where land becomes drier as a result of human activity or climate change or both

Question 36

What are the 6 causes of desertification?

Answer 36

Climate change, population growth, overgrazing, overcultivation, soil erosion, and removal of fuelwood

Question 37

Why is climate change a cause of desertification?

Answer 37

Climate change increases global temperatures and decreases rainfall, making areas more arid

Question 38

Why is population growth a cause of desertification?

Answer 38

Demand for food increases, land is put under pressure, so soil erosion increases

Question 39

Why is removal of fuelwood a cause of desertification?

Answer 39

When land is stripped of its trees, it is vulnerable to being eroded by wind and rain

Question 40

Why is overgrazing a cause of desertification?

Answer 40

Animals leave land bare and vulnerable to erosion and soil is exhausted of its nutrients

Question 41

Why is overcultivation a cause of desertification?

Answer 41

Land is stripped and rid of its nutrients

Question 42

Why is soil erosion a cause of desertification?

Answer 42

When soil is left bare, it is baked by the sun and becomes more dry

Question 43

What are three management strategies of desertification?

Answer 43

Water and soil management Planting more trees Appropriate technology

Question 44

How is appropriate technology used to combat desertification?

Answer 44

Bunds, growing drought resistant crops

Question 45

How is water management used to combat desertification?

Answer 45

Irrigation

Question 46

How can planting trees combat desertification?

Answer 46

Roots stabilise the soil, leaves intercept sunrays to prevent soil baking

Question 47

What is an example of a scheme of planting trees to avoid desertification?

Answer 47

The Great Green Wall