Exam code: 7037
Figure 3a and Figure 3b show temperature data for the Sahara Desert and the Sonoran Desert.
Figure 3a
Summer average temperatures in the Sahara Desert 1955–2010
Figure 3b
Summer average temperatures in the Sonoran Desert 1955–2010
Using Figure 3a and Figure 3b, compare the temperature variations for the Sahara Desert and the Sonoran Desert.
[6]
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To what extent can an understanding of feedback systems help to reduce the problem of desertification?
[20]
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Outline the role of cold ocean currents as a cause of aridity.
[4]
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Figure 4 shows a landscape near to Naein, central Iran.
Figure 4
Using Figure 4 and your own knowledge, assess the view that low precipitation is the most important factor leading to the development of this landscape.
[6]
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Outline the causes of aridity in hot desert environments.
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Study Figure 3, which shows aridity index (AI) values and precipitation data for five hot desert locations.
Location | Mean annual precipitation (mm) | Potential evapotranspiration (mm) | Aridity index (AI) |
|---|---|---|---|
Sahara, Algeria | 12 | 2,800 | 0.004 |
Namib Desert, Namibia | 28 | 3,100 | 0.009 |
Atacama Desert, Chile | 4 | 3,400 | 0.001 |
Thar Desert, India | 220 | 1,800 | 0.12 |
Sonoran Desert, USA | 250 | 1,600 | 0.16 |
Note: Aridity index (AI) = mean annual precipitation ÷ potential evapotranspiration. Aridity index values below 0.05 indicate hyper-aridity, while those between 0.05 and 0.20 indicate aridity.
Analyse the relationship between aridity index values and the distribution of hot deserts shown in Figure 3.
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