2. Deserts and Desertification
• We know already that deserts are located in the tropics
• We know that deserts have a hot and dry climate
• We know that deserts are influenced by air pressure, cold
ocean currents and continental winds (westerlies)
Deserts of the World
3. Deserts and Desertification
• But –
• Do we know how deserts are formed and how they spread?
• Do we know what DESERTIFICATION means?
Desertification – The extension of typical
desert landscapes, landforms and
processes to areas where they did not
occur in the recent past. Such changes
take place in arid zones bordering the
deserts, in areas which experience
average annual rainfalls of 100-300mm.
- Definition taken from The Penguin
Dictionary of Physical Geography (2000)
4. Deserts and Desertification
Causes of Desertification
• There are 4 main factors in desertification
• Drought
• Over grazing
•Over cultivation
• Trees used for fuel and shelter
5. Deserts and Desertification
Causes of Desertification
• Drought –
•
•
•
•
A long period without rainfall
causes crops to die
lack of food
may have to move to find food
6. Deserts and Desertification
Causes of Desertification
• Overgrazing –
•
too many animals grazing on the land
• animals eat all the vegetation
• vegetation fails to grow
• soil is exposed to rain and wind
• soil is washed or blown away.
7. Deserts and Desertification
Causes of Desertification
• Overcultivation –
•
many crops being grown on the land year after year,
• no rotation of crops,
• crops take all the nutrients from the soil,
• the soil becomes infertile and nothing can grow.
• Because there are no crops to protect the soil the soil is again
easily eroded by the wind and rain.
8. Deserts and Desertification
Causes of Desertification
• Removal of trees for fuel and shelter –
• There are few trees in the desert and their roots hold the
soil together.
• When the trees are removed for firewood or to build
shelter the roots die and the soil becomes loose.
• Yet again this means the soil can be easily blown or
washed away.
10. Deserts and Desertification
Short Term Solutions
• Refugee Camps
• Medical Aid
• Food and Clothing Aid
Things to Think About
•
•
•
•
•
Where does the aid come from?
Does the aid reach the people who need it?
Advantages and disadvantages of refugee camps
How long might people stay in these camps?
What happens after the news story?
11. Deserts and Desertification
Long Term Solutions
• Fence off areas to prevent animals grazing there
• Introduce drought resistant crops e.g. millet
• Plant trees and bushes to provide cover for soil
and stop it being blown or washed away
• Rotate crops and water them using irrigation
techniques
• Build stone walls to collect moisture
• Can you think of any other solutions?
Editor's Notes
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Insert a picture of one of the geographic features of your country.
Insert a picture illustrating a season in your country.
Insert a picture of an animal and or plant found in your country.
Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline.
