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Stimulus material: What comments can you make about this photo ?. Desertification. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOUu-vHal7E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEX-kqK8c4k&feature=related. What is it ?.
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Stimulus material: What comments can you make about this photo ?
Desertification • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOUu-vHal7E • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEX-kqK8c4k&feature=related
What is it ? • Desertification is the spreading of deserts, or desert soil conditions and vegetation, into areas of semi-desert land that once used for farming or grazing. • Causes: • Drought • Too much grazing • Poor irrigation/incorrect irrigation practices • Harmful agricultural practices • Clearing of trees • Increasing population size of an area • Cultivation of marginal lands • Destruction of vegetation
When droughts occur and there is not enough vegetation to bind the soil, the winds and water can cause large-scale erosion. • Desert conditions then move into areas which were once able to support a large number of communities and grazing practices.
Effects of Desertification • Communities are displaced and have to migrate elsewhere. This can lead to conflict as they move into other areas already occupied. • Declining water tables • Salinisation of topsoil and water • Less surface water • High soil erosion • Loss of native vegetation • Loss of flora and fauna
How Can Desertification be Stopped ? • Reduce overgrazing and farming activities • Encourage soil and tree conservation – reforestation • Government financial assistance