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Referring to either a named rainforest or a semi-arid area you have studied, describe the impacts of land degradation on the area. - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 9 - 2019
Question 9
Referring to either a named rainforest or a semi-arid area you have studied, describe the impacts of land degradation on the area.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Referring to either a named rainforest or a semi-arid area you have studied, describe the impacts of land degradation on the area. - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 9 - 2019
Step 1
Describe the impacts of land degradation on the Sahel
Answer
Land degradation in the Sahel region has profound impacts due to factors such as water erosion and deforestation.
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Loss of Vegetation: Water erosion leads to the loss of topsoil and reduces the ability of the land to support vegetation. This can diminish agricultural output, threatening food security for local populations.
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Soil Degradation: The degradation of soil quality affects its fertility, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to cultivate crops successfully. This, in turn, results in a higher dependency on food imports and can exacerbate poverty.
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Climate Variability: The Sahel is particularly vulnerable to climate fluctuations. Land degradation can exacerbate the impacts of droughts, which are common in this semi-arid region, further destabilizing the local economy.
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Conflict Over Resources: As land becomes less productive, communities may face increased competition for scarce resources. This can lead to conflicts among local populations and between farmers and herders.
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Migration: People may be forced to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities. This urban migration can place additional stress on cities that are already facing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and services.
Step 2
Describe the impacts of land degradation on the Amazon Basin
Answer
In the Amazon Basin, land degradation primarily due to deforestation has several dire consequences:
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Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, resulting in the extinction of various plant and animal species. The Amazon is known for its diverse ecosystems, and the loss of biodiversity can upset ecological balance.
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Altered Water Cycles: Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle. Their removal results in changes to precipitation patterns and increased runoff, which can lead to flooding in some areas while others suffer from drought.
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Soil Erosion: Without tree roots to hold the soil in place, erosion rates increase significantly, leading to the degradation of the land and the loss of arable land for agriculture, impacting local farming communities.
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Indigenous Communities: Land degradation often leads to the displacement of indigenous communities that depend on these forests for their livelihoods, culture, and identity.
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Carbon Emissions: The destruction of forested areas contributes to carbon emissions, exacerbating global climate change. Deforested land releases stored carbon dioxide, which is a significant greenhouse gas.