the process by which land becomes desert due to climate change, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture

a long period of time with little or no rainfall, leading to a shortage of water

the action of clearing a wide area of trees

the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something

Desertification – causes and strategies

Geography

Location and physical characteristics of hot deserts

The interdependence of biotic and abiotic components in hot deserts

Plant and animal adaptations, issues relating to biodiversity

Development opportunities and challenges in the Kalahari Desert

This unit teaches pupils about the location, characterisitics, opprtunities and challenges associated with one global environment, either hot deserts or cold environments. Pupils will also learn about plant and animal adaptation and about issues facing their chosen environment.

Hot desert and cold environments

a long period of time with little or no rainfall and water shortage

Match the keywords for this lesson with their definitions.

Desertification is a widespread environmental threat affecting {{}} and communities across the globe.

Soil loses nutrients and the ability to support plant growth and plant litter.

Less plant litter means fewer nutrients return to the soil.

Plant regrowth is hindered, leading to desertification.

collects and stores the limited rainwater for people to use

creates stepped fields to slow water movement

drips water directly onto the roots of vegetation

plants trees to stabilise the soil and reduce erosion

moves crops and livestock to allow soil recovery

There is very little {{}} in hot deserts because of the harsh climate. Few species are specialised enough to survive there.

the process of turning deserts into fertile land

the spread of desert-like conditions in areas that were previously fertile

{{}} is the long-term alteration of weather patterns around the world.

An ecosystem is a natural environment and includes the flora (plants) and fauna (animals) that live within that environment. The living components of an ecosystem are the __________ components.

the long-term alteration of weather patterns

Desertification – causes and strategies

Lesson outcome