Chapter 17, Student Web Activities, Glencoe World Geography, Glencoe, 2003

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.