Module description
General topics taught will include climate and hydrology; desertification; geomorphology; vegetation and other life forms; water and water management and climate change.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of desert environments, the environmental problems found in these regions, and the techniques that can be used to assess and mitigate them, using examples from both arid and semi-arid environments. Enable students to gain an understanding of the important climatic, hydrological, geomorphological and ecological processes that occur in deserts, and examine the ways in which they are affected by human activities. These environments are adapted to high temperatures and the scarcity of water and are highly susceptible to a diverse set of anthropogenic influences leading to desertification.
The module will consider ways to monitor the effects of desertification and to rectify these effects. Students will gain an understanding of the policy options for management of deserts, concentrating on the requirements of the UN Desertification Convention.
Assessment details
Weekly quizzes (10%), 2500 word essay (90%)
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the module students should be able to:
- Explain physical aspects of the semi-arid and arid environments
- Understand they ways that people interact with semi-arid and arid environments
- Understand the consequences of these interactions and the methods that can be employed to assess and mitigate any adverse effects
Teaching pattern
20 hours Lectures