Cambridge IGCSE Geography: Hot Desert;
Namib Desert Case Study with 100% correct
answers
Location - answer The Namib Desert occupies the costal edge of Namibia
Plant Adaptations: Quiver Tree - answer 1- Storing large amounts of water in its large trunk
2- Also stores water in the succulent leaves
3- Waxy coat on leaves helps prevent water loss.
4- Light colour trunk and branches, powdery substance on the surface of upper branches that reflect
heat
5- The arrangement of leaves in a rosette helps reflect sunlight from the top of the tree
Climate of Namib Desert - answer 1- Total Annual rainfall: 23mm
2- Average temp: 16-19 degrees C
3- Average relative humidity: 29-40%
Human uses of the Namib - answer 1- Diamond Mining: found in gravel beds, enormous quantities of
sand have to be removed to expose the diamonds
2- Nomadic Herding: Pastoral farmers graze herds of donkeys and goats in east region where there is
more vegetation and rainfall
3- 'Activity' tourism: Off road driving, Sand boarding and go carting
Effects on Ecosystems - answer 1- Diamond Mining: recovering diamonds destroys fragile habitats by
removing vegetation and soil.
2- Nomadic Herding: animals overgraze the area, exposing it to wind and water erosion. Fragile soils are
removed
3- Tourism: Desert surfaces and vegetation destroyed
Namib Desert Case Study with 100% correct
answers
Location - answer The Namib Desert occupies the costal edge of Namibia
Plant Adaptations: Quiver Tree - answer 1- Storing large amounts of water in its large trunk
2- Also stores water in the succulent leaves
3- Waxy coat on leaves helps prevent water loss.
4- Light colour trunk and branches, powdery substance on the surface of upper branches that reflect
heat
5- The arrangement of leaves in a rosette helps reflect sunlight from the top of the tree
Climate of Namib Desert - answer 1- Total Annual rainfall: 23mm
2- Average temp: 16-19 degrees C
3- Average relative humidity: 29-40%
Human uses of the Namib - answer 1- Diamond Mining: found in gravel beds, enormous quantities of
sand have to be removed to expose the diamonds
2- Nomadic Herding: Pastoral farmers graze herds of donkeys and goats in east region where there is
more vegetation and rainfall
3- 'Activity' tourism: Off road driving, Sand boarding and go carting
Effects on Ecosystems - answer 1- Diamond Mining: recovering diamonds destroys fragile habitats by
removing vegetation and soil.
2- Nomadic Herding: animals overgraze the area, exposing it to wind and water erosion. Fragile soils are
removed
3- Tourism: Desert surfaces and vegetation destroyed
