1. Deserts and Desertification

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
Deserts of the World
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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 mm.
- Definition taken from The Penguin Dictionary of Physical Geography (2000)
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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
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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.

9. 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?
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10. 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
Can you think of any other solutions?
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