Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a case-study map of a new solar-energy site on the edge of the Sonoran Desert. The plan includes panels, a service road, a dry river channel and an area of fragile vegetation. Engineers must reduce damage to the desert landscape while maintaining access for repairs.
(a) Which feature on Fig. 1 is most likely to carry water only after intense rainfall? [1]
(b) Outline two reasons why solar power is suitable for many hot desert locations. [2]
(c) Draw a route for the service road that avoids both the dry channel and the fragile vegetation area. [2]
(a) Dry river channel/wadi [1] (b) Any two: very high sunshine/insolation [1]; few cloudy days [1]; large open areas available [1]; power can be generated without burning fossil fuels [1]. (c) Continuous route from access point to panel area that does not cross the wadi or vegetation patch [2]
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