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To what extent can an understanding of feedback systems help to reduce the problem of desertification? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
To what extent can an understanding of feedback systems help to reduce the problem of desertification?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent can an understanding of feedback systems help to reduce the problem of desertification? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Knowledge and understanding of feedback systems
Answer
The understanding of feedback systems in desert landscapes is crucial for addressing desertification. Feedback systems can create positive or negative outcomes depending on environmental conditions, human actions, and natural processes. Positive feedback, like the loss of vegetation leading to increased soil erosion and moisture loss, exacerbates desertification. Conversely, negative feedback can improve conditions, such as the restoration of vegetation that enhances soil quality and moisture retention. Grasping these concepts allows for developing effective intervention strategies.
Step 2
Application of knowledge to desertification
Answer
Understanding feedback mechanisms helps in identifying critical interventions to combat desertification. For instance, reforestation efforts can be a direct response to positive feedback loops. By introducing plant species that bind soil and conserve moisture, there is potential to reverse land degradation. The strategies can also involve community actions, such as traditional agricultural practices that help restore degraded lands. The success of these interventions significantly depends on the understanding of local ecosystems and socio-economic factors.
Step 3
Evaluating case studies
Answer
Real-world examples illustrate the effectiveness of feedback system strategies. For instance, in Burkina Faso, between 1989 and 2004, significant efforts were made to rehabilitate 200,000 to 300,000 hectares of degraded land through innovative techniques alongside traditional practices. Techniques included planting trees to stabilize soil, enhancing rainwater capture, and reducing runoff. These activities reflect how understanding feedback systems can lead to effective strategies for combatting desertification, suggesting that there is a substantial potential for benefiting from this understanding.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of feedback systems is essential for addressing desertification. While challenges remain, such as climate variability and socio-economic barriers, the potential for feedback-driven interventions to mitigate the impacts of desertification is considerable. Effective management and rehabilitation strategies hinge upon this knowledge, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific understanding with practical actions.