Hot Deserts Flashcards
Where are most deserts located?
30 degrees North and South of the equator
Why are deserts located at 30 degrees North and South of the equator?
Due to air sinking at high pressure as air isn’t rising
What is the climate and temperatures like in deserts?
Warm in the Day
Cold in the Night
How does the plants help the soil?
Soil gains nutrients from dead plant matter
Plants help soil retain moisture providing shade
How does soil help the plants?
Soil provides nutrients and water allowing them to grow
How can humans negatively affect deserts?
Human activity could lead to decreased supply of water in the desert. This leads to a decay in plant life which means that other animals feeding off of these plants may die out. This also means a lack of shade meaning soil will hold less water overall.
State how leaves are adapted to life in the desert?
Small, linear shaped leaves or needles to reduce water loss and some are waxy for the same reasons
State how roots are adapted to life in the desert?
Roots either are shallow but spread across large distances. Other roots go 25m down to find water
State how Saguaro Cactus are adapted to life in the desert?
Grows slow
Stores up to 9 tonnes of water
Can expand to allow more water to be stored
How is a Fennec Fox adapted to desert life?
Have large ears to get rid of heat easier
Have thick fur to keep warm
Have sandy coloured fur to reflect sunlight and keep camouflaged
How is a Kangaroo Rate adapted to desert life?
Have oily skin to reduce heat loss
Live in burrows to avoid sun
Produces little urine
How is a Camel adapted to desert life?
Last week without water and months with no food
Store fate in hump for energy
Have wide feet making it easier to walk on sand
Give 4 opportunities in hot deserts?
Mining
Solar Farm
Tourism
Farming
Give the desert case study?
Western Desert USA
What 3 states does the Western Desert cover?
Arizona
New Mexico
California
Why does tourism occur in the Western Desert ?
Las Vegas was made as an entertainment hub attracting 37 million people
What are the key facts of tourism in the Western Desert?
Las Vegas is home to 2 million people
Sailing and water sports are offered on Lake Mead and Powell
Experience of wildlife in Grand Canyon
What are the potential challenges of tourism in the Western Desert?
Families will on visit in specific times of the year
Why does farming occur in the Western Desert ?
Aquifers allow for high amounts of water which means there is good crop growth
What are the key facts of farming in the Western Desert?
Conditions are good for growth
Irrigational canals are used for large scale farming
What are the potential challenges of farming in the Western Desert?
People would have to work in harsh conditions for poor pay
Why does mineral extraction or energy generation occur in the Western Desert ?
Western Desert is rich in minerals such as Copper, Uranium, Tin and Lead.
What are the key facts of mineral extraction or energy generation in the Western Desert?
High amount of minerals meaning mining will occur in the desert. Also can boost the economy
What are the potential challenges of mineral extraction or energy generation in the Western Desert?
Conflicts of land use between tourism and farming.
Risk to wildlife and a lack of water
