Desertification (AQA A-Level Geography): Flashcards
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Definition of desertification
Definition of desertification
Persistent degradation of dryland ecosystems by humans & climate
Global temp during last glacial maximum vs today
Global temp during last glacial maximum vs today
12°C lower (18,000 years ago)
Holocene Climate Optimum period
Holocene Climate Optimum period
8,000 yrs ago: warmer temps, minimal desert extent
Sahel region rainfall change in late 20th century
Sahel region rainfall change in late 20th century
Greatest global rainfall loss in last 25 years of century
Impact of overgrazing
Impact of overgrazing
Strips grass cover, depletes soil nutrients, increases erosion
Impact of overcultivation
Impact of overcultivation
Continuous farming, soil fertility declines, exposes soil
Main cause of deforestation in desert margins
Main cause of deforestation in desert margins
Demand for fuelwood for cooking, heating, and building
% of Earth's surface currently desertified
% of Earth's surface currently desertified
25% (one quarter)
Number of people at risk from desertification
Number of people at risk from desertification
1 billion people in 100 countries
Predicted temp rise in drylands with CO₂ doubling
Predicted temp rise in drylands with CO₂ doubling
2-5°C increase