Advanced Topic Masters: Arid Environments

Summary:
Advanced TopicMasters will enhance student knowledge and understanding of demanding topics in AS/A-level geography.The texts can be read to consolidate understanding as each topic is covered in class, and referred to by students in order to complete essays and other assignments.

Analysis of each topic is illustrated in full colour by case studies, photographs, charts, tables and diagrams. The case studies support general discussion and can be used to illustrate assignments and written work in the final examinations. More complex topics and explanations are included in inset boxes, and provide opportunities for more detailed study.

Each Advanced Topic Master features a wide range of activities: some aim to test knowledge and understanding; others will help students develop essential skills such as statistical analysis and hypothesis testing; and others will encourage students to research topics further on the internet or in the library, or as the basis for fieldwork investigations and coursework.

• Will help students master more complex geographical topics
  

• Shows students how to make best use of up-to-date analysis and data 
  

• Will improve coursework and exam preparation through specially-tailored exercises
   

Table of Contents:
Introduction
An overview of arid and semi-arid environments
Why study arid and semi-arid environments?
Defining arid and semi-arid environments
Location of arid environments
Causes of aridity
Changes over time
Climate and hydrological processes
The climate of arid environments
Hydrological processes
Geomorphological processes
Weathering processes
Aeolian processes
Fluvial processes
Arid landforms and landscapes
Arid landscapes
Weathering landforms
Aeolian landforms
Water as a landforming agent in arid areas
Badlands in semi-arid regions
Arid ecosystems
Plant adaptations
Animal adaptations
Soils
Desert food chains and food webs
Fragile ecosystems
Desertification
Definition and overview
Causes of desertification
Effects of desertification
Managing desertification
Desertification in the Sahel
Managing economic development in arid environments
Agriculture
Tourism and recreation
Mining and mineral wealth
The film industry
Scientific research

About the Author(s):
Lucy Cole teaches geography at Latymer-Upper School, Hammersmith, and has experience as an A-level examiner.