The Desert Environment
What's the major difference between the Sahara and the Sahel?
The Sahel receives more rainfall. This means the Sahel is better suited for life than the Sahara.
Who are pastoral nomads?
People who frequently move from place to place to find fresh pastures for their herds. Pastoral nomads don't have a permanent home.
What is the major reason that prevents oasis settlements from growth?
Water shortages.
True of False. Pastoral Nomads overgrazing their herds can cause desertification.
True. Overgrazing can wear out fields and turn them into desert.
What are ergs, regs, and hammadas?
The three principle desert landforms
True or False. Constructing homes out of mud brick in the desert is an example of an adaptation?
True
True or False: Oases are only created by humans.
False. Although some oases are human-made, many naturally occur by water springs bubbling up to the surface.
What is a major cause of deforestation in the Sahel?
People use wood for fuel/cooking.
What is a wadis?
A dry riverbed. When it rains, wadis turn into raging rivers and can cause flash floods.
True or False. The Tuaregs have adapted to life in the desert by settling in large oasis communities.
False
What is the most important crop in the Sahara?... Why is it so important?
Date palm. Every part of the plant is useful; they provide food, building materials, and fuel.
How do cash crops contribute to desertification?
These crops generally wear out the soil faster than traditional crops.
What are the two largest rivers in the Sahara?
The Nile and the Niger.
What clothing do the Tuareg wear to protect themselves?
Long, loose blue head and face coverings.
What are the major economic activities in oases?
Trading and farming
What type of land is most threatened by desertification?
Marginal Land. Since marginal land is already not well-suited for farming, marginal land can easily turn into desert.
What natural force keeps the Sahara dry?
Trade winds. Winds blow from the Atlantic into North Africa. These winds pick up moisture from the ground and prevent rain.
What are some examples of things the Tuaregs trade? Must give at least one example for what they trade and what they receive.
Trade milk, meat, and cheese for water, vegetables, grain
What do people who live in oases use to protect themselves and their crops from high winds?
Windbreaks
True or False. Shifting Agriculture causes desertification.
False. Shifting Agriculture helps prevent desertification because farmers change where they plant their crops. This prevents land from becoming arid from over farming.