F3 Deserts Exercise (25 marks)

Blanks (7 marks)

Refer to the map above showing the location of major deserts found around the world. Q is the __(1)__ and
P is the __(2)__ . Areas are considered deserts if they receive less annual rainfall than __(3)__ . __(4)__ may
originate in deserts due to the abundance of loose sand.

Refer to the photograph above of a desert landscape. The type of desert shown is a __(5)__ desert as the
major landform found are __(6)__ . Despite the dry environment, plants are able to survive due to the
presence of an __(7)__ .

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Long Question (18 marks)

1. Figure 1a shows the country profile for Namibia, including a map of the region and location X in the
Namib Desert. Photograph 1b shows a landscape commonly found at location X. Photograph 1c
shows a mine recently opened at location X.
Figure 1a
GDP per capita:
 $11,500 (ranked 133 globally)

GDP – employment by sector:

0°  Agriculture 31%
 Industry 14%

Namibia’s economy is heavily dependent

10°
on the extraction and processing of
minerals for export. Mining accounts for
about 12.5% of GDP.

23.5° X Birth rate:

 27.3 per 1000

30°
Literacy rate:
 81.9% (global average 86.3%)
Wind direction

Photograph 1b Photograph 1c

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(a) Refer to Figure 1a. Identify and explain one factor resulting in the aridity of the Namib (2 marks)
Desert.

(b) (i) Refer to Photograph 1b. Describe the vegetation distribution shown. (1 mark)

(ii) Describe and explain how vegetation adapts to arid environments. (5 marks)

(c) Refer to Photographs 1b and 1c. Explain how the mining activity in location X will (4 marks)
increase the risk of desertification.

(d) “Appropriate farming methods are the best ways to prevent desertification in the Namib (6 marks)
Desert”. Discuss this statement with reference to all sources. (A more detailed answer is
expected.)

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Suggested answers:

Blanks (7m)
1. Gobi / 2. Atacama / 3. 250mm 4. sandstorms 5. sandy 6. sand 7. oasis (x well
Taklamakan Peruvian (x 250) dunes oasis)

Long Questions (18m)

1.
(a) Refer to Figure 1a. Identify and explain one factor resulting in the aridity of the Namib (2 marks)
Desert.
- high pressure belt (1) → sinking air does not favour the formation of clouds (1)
- offshore prevailing winds (1) → prevent moisture from moving inland (1) (1+1)

(b) (i) Refer to Photograph 1b. Describe the vegetation distribution shown. (1 mark)

- sparse / mainly grasses (1)

(ii) Describe and explain how vegetation adapts to arid environments. (5 marks)

Describe (1m) → Explain (1m)

- small leaves (1) to prevent moisture loss (1)
- spikes (1) to prevent consumption by predators (1)
- fleshy stems (1) to store water (1)
- extensive root systems (1) to efficiently absorb water (1)
- waxy surface (1) to protect from the sun (1)
- long tap roots (1) absorb ground water (1) (1+1)

(c) Refer to Photographs 1b and 1c. Explain how the mining activity in location X will (4 marks)
increase the risk of desertification.
- mining removes vegetation cover
- mining breaks up the rock and soil
- increases wind speed
- no roots to bind the soil
- broken rock and soil more easily blown away
- more severe soil erosion / land degradation (any 4)

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(d) “Appropriate farming methods are the best ways to prevent desertification in the Namib (6 marks)
Desert”. Discuss this statement with reference to all sources. (A more detailed answer is
expected.)
Generic marking rubrics and suggested areas of discussion
- Comprehensive knowledge
- Logical and detailed elaboration 5-6
- Strong relevance to the context by referring to the source
- Clear structure / considers multiple perspective
- Adequate knowledge
- Logical elaboration of a few points / brief elaboration of number of points 3-4
- Generalization / some reference to the source
- Superficial knowledge
- Points have little or no elaboration 1-2
- Lack understanding of the context / ignore source information
Best way:
- poor farming methods are a major cause of desertification, appropriate farming
technologies will counter this (e.g. returning to pasture / permaculture, no
tillage, multiple cropping)
- Farming accounts for 31% of employment (large), these farming methods will
have a significant impact
Limitations (not best way):
- Does not prevent other desertification causing activities (e.g. mining,
deforestation)
- Namibia may not be able to invest greatly in promoting these farming methods
- Some Namibians may not have the knowhow to properly adopt these methods
- May not solve root cause of high population → high demand for food
Alternatives:
- Other alternative methods could more directly counter desertification (e.g.
afforestation, straw checkerboards)
- Other alternatives can improve how people care for the desert areas (education,
legislation)