L5 - Blown Away Flashcards
What is desertification?
The process by which fertile land becomes desert
How could climate change threaten cold extreme environments?
Melting of Sea Ice and Permafrost and changes to animal migration routes (e.g. Narwhal)
How could climate change threaten hot extreme environments?
Drought (reduced rainfall) and expansion of arid areas by desertification
Why is ‘The Sahel’ region of Africa vulnerable to climate change?
Located at the southern boundary of the migrating Sahara desert (a high pressure area)
How are humans making desertification worse?
Population growth puts pressure on environment in form of deforestation,overgrazing and groundwater extraction.
How does desertification alter the hydrological system?
Less vegetation means less interception and transpiration (so less moisture in air) - increases surface run-off and soil erosion
How is the local indigenous culture threatened?
Unreliable water means changes to species migration routes, and malnourished animals. Reduced opportunities may lead to out-migration.
What is the Great Green Wall Initiative?
African Union project to plant 8000 km ‘wall of trees’ across Sahel region of Africa to try and stop desertification