Western Desert Case Study

Question 1

What are the development opportunities of the Western Desert?

Answer 1

mineral extraction,
energy resources,
farming,
tourism

Question 2

how is mineral extraction an opportunity for development?

Answer 2

minerals extracted from the ground are sold, generating income
e.g. coal, copper, uranium

Question 3

how are renewable energy resources a development opportunity?

Answer 3

intense sunlight in deserts can be harnessed as solar energy
dams constructed on lakes, like Lake Mead, generate hydroelectric power

Question 4

how are non-renewable energy resources a development opportunity?

Answer 4

large oil reserves extracted from land in Arizona

Question 5

how is farming a development opportunity

Answer 5

Farming in Western Desert is commercial, generating income

Question 6

What are two examples of how farming is a development opportunity?

Answer 6

irrigation water from lakes is used for farming,
aquifers are extracted from Coachella Valley and used to grow crops

Question 7

how is tourism a development opportunity?

Answer 7

tourism generates income from visitors to attractions

Question 8

what are natural attractions and cities which generate income from tourism in the Western Desert?

Answer 8

natural attraction Grand Canyon attracts many tourists
cities like Las Vegas: attracts over 31 million visitors every year

Question 9

what are the development challenges of the Western Desert?

Answer 9

sparse water supply,
inaccessibility,
extreme temperatures

Question 10

how much precipitation is there a year in Western Desert?

Answer 10

around 55mm a year (very low)

Question 11

why is water so essential for economic development

Answer 11

water must be used for drinking and irrigation, generates income from farming and all industries

Question 12

what is constructed to meet high demand for water

Answer 12

huge dams like Hoover Dam (hinders economy)

Question 13

explain how inaccessibility is a challenge of development in Western Desert

Answer 13

access in the Western Desert is limited to major urban areas with routes like Route 66
a large proportion of roads are unsurfaced

Question 14

explain why extreme temperatures are a challenge to development in the Western Desert?

Answer 14

temperatures can exceed 49 degrees celsius, making outside work like farming very challenging
high temperatures lead to rapid evaporation and water shortages