Glencoe World Geography

Chapter 17: The Physical Geography of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia

“Combating Desertification”


Introduction
Although desertification is a natural process that has taken place on our planet for eons, human activity plays a dramatic role in the spread and increase of this process. The dryland ecosystems of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia all face the challenge of desertification. The Combating Desertification: The Israel Experience Web site explains the process of desertification, its causes, its impact, and successful strategies to overcome it.

Destination Title: Combating Desertification: The Israeli Experience

Directions
Start at the Combating Desertification: The Israeli Experience Web site.
  • Browse through the site, focusing in particular on the topics Desertification: What Is It?, The Development and Use of Water Resources, and Management of Grazing Lands.

Take notes as you explore these topics, and then answer the following questions.

1
What is desertification? What is the primary cause of desertification?
2
What percentage of the earth's surface is covered by dryland ecosystems? Name and describe the four types of dryland ecosystems.
3
What are the advantages of creating savannas on previously barren slopes?
4
Discuss Israel's development and use of water resources.
5
Read the information under the topic Living in the Desert. Create an informational pamphlet explaining and promoting sustainable dryland development methods.
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