hot deserts Flashcards
characteristics of hot deserts
30 degrees north/south of equator
rocky dry thin infertile soils
how do hot deserts show interdependence
o Climate – very little rainfall with extreme temperatures.
o Soil – lack of nutrients and rainfall leads to dry, infertile soils.
o Plants – very little vegetation and plants have short life cycles.
o Animals – small, nocturnal mammals e.g. kangaroo rats, with very few birds.
o People – indigenous people grow a few crops near water sources in desert fringes.
plant adaptations (4)
o Long root systems to absorb deep water supplies.
o Slower growing so less energy is required to make as much food.
o Waxy coating reduces transpiration from leaves.
o Cacti (succulents): Spines instead of leaves, minimises surface area and helps reduce water loss (and protect them).
animal adaptations (2 animals)
o Fennec Fox: Large ears help release heat; produce little urine to save water; active at night to avoid heat.
o Camel: Large surface area to maximise heat loss; store fat in humps for energy; large/flat feet to avoid sinking in sand; triple eyelids and long eyelashes to keep sand out of eyes.
4 developments opportunities of the western desert
mineral extraction, farming, energy, tourism
how is mineral extraction a development opportunity for the western desert
Large underground water supply found in an ancient lava flow north of Ajo which is needed for mining.
Large-scale opencast mining for rich minerals underground (copper, uranium, gold).
Extremely valuable for the economy.
how is energy a development opportunity for the western desert
Strong insolation allows electricity to be generated at a low cost.
For example, the Sonoran Solar Project (Arizona) will produce energy for 100,000 homes and requires 350 workers to build it.
25 active oil production sites employ 100+ people and produce oil worth $50b.
how is farming a development opportunity for the western desert
High temperatures and sunlight provide great conditions for crop growth.
Water was found for irrigation providing fertile, rich soils for large-scale commercial agriculture.
For example, aquifers in Coachella Valley provide lush crops of vegetables and fruits like grapes (ideal for wine industry).
how is tourism a development opportunity for the western desert
Tourism has brought plenty of foreign income from national parks (Grand Canyon) to major cities like Las Vegas (brings 40 million people/year).
Water projects in the lakes Mead and Powell such as sailing and powerboating brings 2 million tourists/year.
