Question 1: Define 'arid' and give an example of a hot desert region.

Answer: Arid means extremely dry with very low rainfall; example: Sahara Desert.

Question 2: What is a 'dune' and why are they common in hot deserts?

Answer: A dune is a hill of sand formed by wind; common due to high winds and loose sand in deserts.

Question 3: Explain the term 'evaporation' and its role in desert climates.

Answer: Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor; it is high in deserts, contributing to low rainfall.

Question 4: Name the main desert landforms found in the Sahara.

Answer: Sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and salt flats.

Question 5: Give an example of a hot desert with significant human activity.

Answer: The Sahara Desert, where nomadic tribes and oil extraction are prominent.

Question 1: What is the typical temperature range experienced in hot deserts like the Sahara during the day?

Answer: Between 30°C and 50°C.

Question 2: Name the main processes responsible for shaping landforms in hot deserts.

Answer: A) Wind erosion and deposition B) Glacial activity C) Tectonic uplift D) Volcanic eruption

Question 3: What is the main source of water for plants and animals in hot deserts?

Answer: Rare rainfall and underground water sources.

Question 4: Identify two adaptations of desert plants to survive in hot desert conditions.

Answer: Deep root systems and water storage tissues in stems.

Question 1: Based on the case study, describe the main landforms found in the Namib Desert and their formation processes.

Answer: The Namib features towering sand dunes formed by wind deposition, with some dunes exceeding 300 meters. Rocky outcrops are shaped by erosion, and salt flats form where evaporation exceeds precipitation.

Question 2: Discuss how climatic conditions in the Namib Desert influence the landforms and ecosystems.

Answer: The extreme aridity and high temperatures increase wind activity, which shapes landforms like dunes through deposition and erosion. Limited rainfall restricts plant growth, leading to specialized desert flora and fauna adapted to conserve water and withstand harsh conditions.

Question 1: Explain why wind is a dominant agent of erosion and deposition in hot deserts like the Sahara.

Answer: High wind speeds, low vegetation cover, and loose, dry sand make wind the primary erosive and depositional agent, forming features such as dunes and desert pavements.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of the formation of salt flats in hot deserts.

Answer: Salt flats form when intense evaporation exceeds precipitation, leaving behind mineral deposits. These often develop in low-lying areas where water collects, evaporates quickly, and leaves salts like sodium chloride that create expansive flats such as the Etosha Pan in Namibia.

Question 1: To what extent have human activities such as tourism and resource extraction impacted the natural characteristics of the Sahara Desert?

Answer: Human activities have both positive and negative impacts on the Sahara. Tourism brings economic benefits but can lead to environmental degradation if unmanaged. Resource extraction, like oil drilling, can cause land disturbance and pollution, but also provides economic development. Overall, careful management is essential to balance economic benefits with environmental sustainability.