Land Cover Changes

Question 1

Land Cover Changes

Answer 1

Earth’s land cover has changed over millions of years. some changes have developed over centuries + some within decades or less.
The causes include natural processes + human activity.

Question 2

Natural Processes Changing Landcover

Answer 2

1. Climate Change.
2. Geophysical Changes.
3. Plant Succession.
4. Fires + Pests.

Question 3

Climate Change Future Impacts

Answer 3

-temp rise of 0.6 degrees in the 20th century.
- impacts on the ice + snow cover.
-longer fire seasons, serve storms + longer droughts
-impact human ability to utilise the environment
-climate refugees

Question 4

Plant Succession

Answer 4

directly non-seasonal cumulative change on the type of plant species that occupy a given area.

Question 5

Human Activity Changing Land Cover

Answer 5

-population dynamics
-technology
-policies

Question 6

Population Dynamics

Answer 6

-rapid population growth in the last 300 years
-land surfaces have become areas housing, production + recreation
-land has been cleared of natural vegetation for cropping + grazing
-rural to urban migration, 50-55% of people live in urban areas
-space for migration found on the edge of existing urban areas

Question 7

Technology

Answer 7

-tech allows for rapid, large-scale change to land cover
-building dams + water diversion schemes
-tech that cam produce toxic or non-biodegradable substances can harm vegetation
-machinary can clear large areas of forrest
-mineral deficient soils can be made suitable for cropping

Question 8

Policies

Answer 8

-eco policies = influencing market prices
-protect existing land cover
-zones in place tpo maintain natural conditions
-restore land cover by eliminating invasive species
-restoration of water supplies