Desertification

Start with the causes

A Desertification mind map introduces the process of fertile land becoming desert and connects it with drought, deforestation and inappropriate agriculture. Start there to see how the causes fit together. As you read, note which factors relate to climate and which relate to human activity. Another map, Causes of Desertification, offers a further way to study the topic.

For a closer look at physical conditions, Rural includes water shortages, drought and soil being blown or washed away. Compare these points with the causes in the introductory map.

Explore the Sahel

The Sahel mind map covers the region's location, rainfall and areas affected by desertification. Follow it with Sahel Key Notes, which lists causes such as overgrazing and removal of vegetation, as well as impacts including food price increases and malnutrition.

Use the map to organize the main ideas, then check the notes for details you want to remember. The flashcard deck Sahel Case Study Theme 2 gives you another format to explore.

Study effects and management

Results of Desertification covers famine and migration. Read it after the causes maps to connect the process with its effects. Fragile Environments brings desertification together with topics including soil erosion and deforestation. It also lists management approaches such as terraces and contour ploughing.

Connect and practice

This page is one section of Deserts and Extreme Environments in Geography. The mind maps and flashcards give you ways to connect desertification with that unit. There are no quizzes listed on this page, but you can turn points from a map into questions and use them to check what you remember.

With a free account, you can make your own quiz or mind map and save quiz scores. Try building a quiz from a map after studying it.