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C. Drought (i) Name an area that experiences severe drought and explain why drought occurs in this area - Junior Cycle Geography - Question C - 2014
Question C
C. Drought (i) Name an area that experiences severe drought and explain why drought occurs in this area. (ii) Describe and explain the impacts of drought on human ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:C. Drought (i) Name an area that experiences severe drought and explain why drought occurs in this area - Junior Cycle Geography - Question C - 2014
Step 1
Name an area that experiences severe drought and explain why drought occurs in this area.
Answer
One notable area that experiences severe drought is the Sahara Desert in North Africa.
The Sahara Desert experiences drought primarily due to its geographical location and climatic conditions. The region is situated in the subtropical high-pressure belt, which inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation. Additionally, the trade winds descend over the Sahara, further contributing to aridity.
During the summer months, the intense sunlight causes high temperatures, which increases evaporation rates, exacerbating water scarcity and leading to severe drought conditions.
Step 2
Describe and explain the impacts of drought on human activity in this area.
Answer
The impacts of drought on human activity in the Sahara Desert are profound and multifaceted.
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Agricultural Impacts: Drought significantly affects agriculture, leading to crop failure and reduced yields. Farmers, relying on rain-fed agriculture, face severe challenges, resulting in food shortages and increased reliance on food imports.
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Water Scarcity: Drought leads to water scarcity, affecting both drinking water supply and water for irrigation. This scarcity forces communities to compete for limited resources and can lead to conflicts and migration as populations seek more habitable regions.