Deserts

Question 1

desert

Answer 1

A desert is classed as an area receiving less than 250mm of rainfall per year.

Question 2

Where are deserts found?

Answer 2

In the Tropic of cancer and capricorn due to the global atmospheric circulation model.

Question 3

hot deserts

Answer 3

• very dry all year round
• don’t have more than 5mm rain each year
• temperature is hot in the summer (35) and lower in winter (12)
• Night is very cold and no cloud
• soil is thin, dry because no plants, minerals or humus

Question 4

cactus

Answer 4

• stores water inside
• spikes to reduce surface area for predators to attack
• reduce transpiration
• succulents store water

Question 5

camall

Answer 5

• store fat in hump so don’t have to eat as often
• big eyelashes protect them from sun and dust
• hooves protect from hot sand

Question 6

fennec fox

Answer 6

• big ears to hear
• nocturnal
• blood circulation cools it down

Question 7

Thorny lizard

Answer 7

• cold blooded
• skin absorbs water
• doesn’t urinate

Question 8

Javelina

Answer 8

• sharp teeth to attack cactus

Question 9

Western desert - Farming

Answer 9

• high temperature and sunlight are favourable for agriculture
• water provided for irrigation
• aquifers stores of water beneath hot regions

Question 10

Western desert - mineral extraction

Answer 10

• western desert states are rich in minerals (coal, copper)
• Uranium mining near Grand Canyon
• Copper mining in Sonoran Desert

Question 11

Western desert - energy

Answer 11

• isolation provides opportunity for solar power
• Sonoran solar project produces energy for 100,000 homes
• HEP power plants provide communities with electricity
• 25 active oil production sites, provide 100+ employees

Question 12

Western desert - tourism

Answer 12

• most important source of income
• National parks
  -Los Vegas attracts 37mil per year
• Lake Powell and Lake Mead

Question 13

challenges of western deserts

Answer 13

• lack of water
• high temperatures
• low population density

Question 14

Housing

Answer 14

• flat roofs collect rainwater
• small windows
• whitewashed reflect heat
• aircon

Question 15

Accessibility

Answer 15

• road network
• route 66
• railroad
• air travel

Question 16

Water supply

Answer 16

• Lake Powell damn
• Hoover dam in Lake Mead
• Demand is increasing it’s not sustainable
• siltation effects damns
• climate change = more evaporation
• irrigated land throughout Colorado river basin produces 15% of US crops