Question 1: What is 'desertification'?

Answer: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Question 2: Define 'renewable energy' and give an example relevant to hot deserts.

Answer: Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar power, which is widely harnessed in hot deserts.

Question 3: What does 'sustainable development' mean?

Answer: Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 4: Name one mineral resource commonly extracted in the Sahara Desert.

Answer: Uranium or phosphate.

Question 5: Give an example of a renewable energy project in a hot desert.

Answer: The Ouarzazate Solar Power Station in Morocco.

Question 1: Which desert is known as the world's largest hot desert?

Answer: The Sahara Desert

Question 2: Name two minerals extracted from the Namib Desert.

Answer: Uranium and copper.

Question 3: What is the main advantage of solar power in hot deserts?

Answer: Abundant sunlight makes solar power highly efficient and sustainable.

Question 4: Name a major challenge faced when developing desert resources.

Answer: Water scarcity or extreme temperatures.

Question 5: Identify one example of desert tourism development.

Answer: The Namib Desert's Sossusvlei dunes tourism.

Question 1: Describe the main aims of the Sahara Solar Project in Morocco.

Answer: To generate renewable energy for Morocco and export surplus electricity to Europe, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Question 2: Identify two benefits of the project for Morocco.

Answer: Creation of jobs and increased energy security.

Question 3: What are two environmental challenges associated with large-scale solar farms in deserts?

Answer: Land degradation and disruption of local ecosystems.

Question 4: Explain how the project contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.

Answer: By producing clean, renewable energy, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of water scarcity in hot deserts like the Namib.

Answer: Water scarcity in hot deserts results from low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and limited groundwater recharge. Human activities such as over-extraction for agriculture and urban use exacerbate the problem, leading to desertification and environmental degradation.

Question 2: Explain why desertification is a concern for future development.

Answer: Desertification threatens the sustainability of land resources, reduces agricultural productivity, and displaces communities, making development in desert regions increasingly difficult.

Question 1: To what extent do you agree that renewable energy projects are the best development strategy for hot deserts? Justify your answer.

Answer: Renewable energy projects, such as solar farms, offer sustainable solutions by providing clean power and reducing carbon emissions. They also create employment and stimulate economic growth. However, challenges such as high initial costs, land use conflicts, and environmental impacts must be managed carefully. Overall, with proper planning and investment, renewable energy can be a highly effective development strategy, but it should be integrated with other sustainable practices to maximize benefits.

Question 2: Evaluate the social and environmental impacts of mineral extraction in desert regions like the Sahara.

Answer: Mineral extraction can bring economic development and employment opportunities to desert regions, improving living standards. However, it often leads to environmental degradation, habitat loss, and water resource depletion. Social impacts include displacement of local communities and cultural disruption. Sustainable practices are essential to balance economic benefits with environmental conservation and social well-being.