Question 1 Report
A conservation team is restoring a damaged dune system near a desert-edge town in Namibia. Fig. 1 shows a section across a mobile dune, a road, and a group of homes. Wind-blown sand is beginning to cover the road. The team has a limited budget and is considering planting drought-resistant shrubs, building low sand fences, moving the road, and educating visitors not to drive on dunes.
(a) Which side of the dune is likely to receive wind-blown sand first? [1]
(b) Outline how low sand fences could reduce sand movement towards the road. [2]
(c) Draw positions for three low sand fences on Fig. 1. [2]
(d) Outline two reasons why shrub planting may be more sustainable than repeatedly clearing sand from the road. [2]
(a) Windward/left-hand side facing incoming sand [1] (b) Fences reduce wind speed [1]; sand is deposited/trapped behind or around the fences [1]. (c) Three short fence lines placed between dune and road, broadly across the direction of moving sand [2] (d) Any two: roots stabilise sand [1]; vegetation gives longer-term protection [1]; less repeated fuel/labour cost [1]; improves habitat/cover [1]. Maximum [2]
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