Weather mojave desert Flashcards
1
Q
location
A
- Located in SW of the USA ( California, Utah, Nevada & Arizona).
- Smallest & driest of US deserts.
2
Q
causes of desert climate
A
- Rainshadow effect created by Sierra Nevada Mountain range
- Cold ocean current offshore ( Californian current).
3
Q
climate
A
- Hyper arid in many parts.
- Mean annual temperature of 15 degrees.
- Summer highs of 30 degrees.
- Winters temps fall, especially in mountains.
4
Q
plant adaptations in Mojave
A
- Mojave Yacca plant – waxy coating on leaves.
- Prickly Pear cactus has light spines to act as heat reflectors.
- Cacti – succulent.
- Joshua Tree – waxy leaves, shallow roots, trunk can store water.
5
Q
animal adaptations in Mojave
A
- Some may burrow to escape the heat e.g. lizards
- Nocturnal animals sleep during the day to help prevent dehydration e.g. bats
- Animals may hibernate during temperature highs or lows.
- Pale fur to reflect sun
6
Q
general plant adaptations
A
- Small leaves
- Tap roots
- Spines
- Waxy skin
- Water storage
7
Q
xerophytic
A
Plants with adaptations which allow them to live in hot and dry conditions
8
Q
small leaves
A
ensure that less water is lost from the plant bytranspirationbecause the leaf has a smaller surface area.
9
Q
tap roots
A
long roots (7-10 metres long) that reach deep under the ground to access water supplies. The tap roots are much longer and bigger than the plant which is visible at the surface
10
Q
spines
A
- Spines lose less water than leaves so are very efficient in a hot climate
- Spines also prevent animals from eating the plant
11
Q
waxy skin
A
reduces water loss by transpiration
12
Q
water storage
A
some plants, known assucculents, store water in their stems, leaves, roots or even fruits.
