Living World Case Study - The Sonoran Desert (MEDC)

Question 1

Where is the Sonoran desert?

Answer 1

South West of the USA.

Spreads across the lower States of California and Arizona and stretches south into Mexico.

100,000 square miles.

Question 2

Facts about the Sonoran desert?

Answer 2

One of North America’s largest and hottest deserts.

300mm of rainfall per year-> one of the wettest deserts in the world.

Question 3

How have people overcome the physical difficulties of living in the Sonoran Desert?

Answer 3

Using cheap (mostly solar) energy to power air conditioners etc. in vehicles, homes, shopping centres …

Piping water into the area for irrigation, drinking, pools …

Question 4

What is Marana?

Answer 4

A town in the Sonoran desert.

Population = 35,000.

Thriving business town + leisure resort.

Question 5

How has Marana overcome the difficulties of living in the desert over history?

Answer 5

Town began in mid 19th century -> ranching + mining community.

1920 -> new irrigation system made it an agricultural centre (cotton)

1940 -> agricultural production increased (wheat, barley, pecans)