Question Q.13Give a reasoned accountGS1GS1

Give a reasoned account of the distribution of deserts across the earth with the help of relevant examples.

Introduction

Desert is an area that receives rainfall less than 25cm per year. This gives rise to arid & semi-arid stones in desert.

22 words

Main Body

[Diagram: World map showing distribution of deserts - Mohave, Sahara, Atacama, Patagonia, Kalahari, Gobi, Australian desert]

Fig: Deserts across the earth

Reasons for distribution of deserts

1Cold Ocean Current - causes desiccating effect on east shores on tropical areas

2Peru current causing - Atacama desert

2Sub-tropical high pressure belt prevents cloud formation & rains. eg Sahara desert in Africa.

3Outward trade winds from land to sea have low moisture and no rain. eg Mohave - California

4Rain-shadow effect on interiors. eg Patagonia is in rain-shadow zone of Andes.

[Diagram: Rain shadow effect showing wet windward side and dry leeward side]

Fig: Rain shadow

5Continentality → lesser rain bearing winds & extreme temperature in interiors. eg Gobi desert.

6Cold deserts: caused due to severe temperature in Tundra & Taiga zones eg Siberian desert.

Anthropogenic factors for desertification

1Mining activities causing land degradation eg Jharkhand, CG.

2Faulty agricultural practices causing soil degradation eg Punjab, Haryana.

3Deforestation for development projects. eg Uttarakhand, Kerala, etc.

4Shifting agriculture eg Jhums in Assam.

5Forest fires due to global warming eg California fires, Amazon fires.

190 words8 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus, it's said that the geographical boundaries of deserts are expanding due to human actions. This calls for UNCCD - the toolbox for controlling desertification.

25 words

Diagram

World map showing locations of major deserts - Mohave, Sahara, Atacama, Patagonia, Kalahari, Gobi, Australian desert

Good use of diagram
Reasoned scientific explanation

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Page 29

Topper

Poorva Agrawal

AIR 652024

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

World Physical Geography

Distribution of Deserts

Climatic factors for desert formation

Writing Stats

237

Total words

Paragraphs