Quiz 10

Question 1

What is desertification?

Answer 1

When previously fertile and productive land becomes infertile and unproductive

Question 2

In what 3 ways can desertification be managed?

Answer 2

Afforestation
Water and soil management
Appropriate technology

Question 3

Give 2 causes related to climate change that can result in desertification

Answer 3

Decreased rainfall and increased temperatures

Question 4

How can soil be managed to prevent desertification?

Answer 4

Using natural fertilisers like manure

Rotating crops

Leaving land fallow(allowing land to recover)

Using land for crops rather than grazing

Question 5

Give 3 human activities that can result in desertification

Answer 5

Population growth

Overgrazing

Use of wood for fuel

Overcultivation

Question 6

What is drip irrigation?

Answer 6

Watering plants with small amounts of water targeted at the roots

Question 7

What is fallow land?

Answer 7

Land with nothing planted on it so it can recover its nutrients

Question 8

Explain why population growth can result in desertification

Answer 8

More people need more food and fuel, increasing overgrazing, overcultivation and use of wood for fuel

Question 9

Explain why using wood for fuel results in desertification

Answer 9

Removal of trees means their roots can’t protect the soil, causing soil erosion

Question 10

Explain why overcultivation results in desertification

Answer 10

Growing more crops removes nutrients from the soil, later preventing plants from growing in that area, eventually causing soil erosion

Question 11

Why does afforestation prevent desertification?

Answer 11

Roots prevent soil erosion

Provide a break against wind to prevent soil being blown away

Their shade reduces temperatures, allowing other plants to grow

Question 12

Explain why overgrazing results in desertification

Answer 12

Cattle and other livestock eat the plants that protect the soil, causing soil erosion

Question 13

Outline the process of desertification

Answer 13

Plants in an area are reduced
Their roots no longer prevent soil erosion
Nutrients in the soil are washed away
The soil becomes sandy and infertile

Question 14

How can water be managed to prevent desertification?

Answer 14

Growing plants that need less water
Using drip irrigation
Storing water that falls in the rainy season

Question 15

Give 2 examples of appropriate technologies which can help manage desertification

Answer 15

Earth dams for water storage
Solar ovens for cooking food without fuel

Question 16

Why does rotating crops improve soil quality?

Answer 16

Different crops take different nutrients from the soil

Question 17

Which areas are at a greater risk of desertification?

Answer 17

The fringes of hot deserts