TPO 2-2 Desert Formation

In some regions, the increase in desert areas is occurring largely as the result of a trend toward drier climatic conditions.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The expansion of desert-like conditions into areas where they did not previously exist is called desertification.

The expansion of desert-like conditions into areas where they did not previously exist is called desertification.

The expansion of desert-like conditions into areas where they did not previously exist is called desertification.

The expansion of desert-like conditions into areas where they did not previously exist is called desertification.

The expansion of desert-like conditions into areas where they did not previously exist is called desertification.

It has been estimated that an additional one-fourth of the Earth's land surface is threatened by this process.

It has been estimated that an additional one-fourth of the Earth's land surface is threatened by this process.

It has been estimated that an additional one-fourth of the Earth's land surface is threatened by this process.

It has been estimated that an additional one-fourth of the Earth's land surface is threatened by this process.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

Desertification is accomplished primarily through the loss of stabilizing natural vegetation and the subsequent accelerated erosion of the soil by wind and water.

In some cases the loose soil is blown completely away, leaving a stony surface.

In other cases, the finer particles may be removed, while the sand-sized particles are accumulated to form mobile hills or ridges of sand.

In other cases, the finer particles may be removed, while the sand-sized particles are accumulated to form mobile hills or ridges of sand.

In other cases, the finer particles may be removed, while the sand-sized particles are accumulated to form mobile hills or ridges of sand.

In other cases, the finer particles may be removed, while the sand-sized particles are accumulated to form mobile hills or ridges of sand.

Even in the areas that retain a soil cover, the reduction of vegetation typically results in the loss of the soil's ability to absorb substantial quantities of water.

Even in the areas that retain a soil cover, the reduction of vegetation typically results in the loss of the soil's ability to absorb substantial quantities of water.

Even in the areas that retain a soil cover, the reduction of vegetation typically results in the loss of the soil's ability to absorb substantial quantities of water.

Even in the areas that retain a soil cover, the reduction of vegetation typically results in the loss of the soil's ability to absorb substantial quantities of water.

Even in the areas that retain a soil cover, the reduction of vegetation typically results in the loss of the soil's ability to absorb substantial quantities of water.

Even in the areas that retain a soil cover, the reduction of vegetation typically results in the loss of the soil's ability to absorb substantial quantities of water.

The impact of raindrops on the loose soil tends to transfer fine clay particles into the tiniest soil spaces, sealing them and producing a surface that allows very little water penetration.

The impact of raindrops on the loose soil tends to transfer fine clay particles into the tiniest soil spaces, sealing them and producing a surface that allows very little water penetration.

The impact of raindrops on the loose soil tends to transfer fine clay particles into the tiniest soil spaces, sealing them and producing a surface that allows very little water penetration.

The impact of raindrops on the loose soil tends to transfer fine clay particles into the tiniest soil spaces, sealing them and producing a surface that allows very little water penetration.

Water absorption is greatly reduced; consequently runoff is increased, resulting in accelerated erosion rates.

Water absorption is greatly reduced; consequently runoff is increased, resulting in accelerated erosion rates.

The gradual drying of the soil caused by its diminished ability to absorb water results in the further loss of vegetation, so that a cycle of progressive surface deterioration is established.

The gradual drying of the soil caused by its diminished ability to absorb water results in the further loss of vegetation, so that a cycle of progressive surface deterioration is established.

The gradual drying of the soil caused by its diminished ability to absorb water results in the further loss of vegetation, so that a cycle of progressive surface deterioration is established.

The gradual drying of the soil caused by its diminished ability to absorb water results in the further loss of vegetation, so that a cycle of progressive surface deterioration is established.

The gradual drying of the soil caused by its diminished ability to absorb water results in the further loss of vegetation, so that a cycle of progressive surface deterioration is established.

The gradual drying of the soil caused by its diminished ability to absorb water results in the further loss of vegetation, so that a cycle of progressive surface deterioration is established.

In some regions, the increase in desert areas is occurring largely as the result of a trend toward drier climatic conditions.

In some regions, the increase in desert areas is occurring largely as the result of a trend toward drier climatic conditions.

In some regions, the increase in desert areas is occurring largely as the result of a trend toward drier climatic conditions.

Continued gradual global warming has produced an increase in aridity for some areas over the past few thousand years.

The process may be accelerated in subsequent decades if global warming resulting from air pollution seriously increases.

There is little doubt, however, that desertification in most areas results primarily from human activities rather than natural processes.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

The semiarid lands bordering the deserts exist in a delicate ecological balance and are limited in their potential to adjust to increased environmental pressures.

Expanding populations are subjecting the land to increasing pressures to provide them with food and fuel.

Expanding populations are subjecting the land to increasing pressures to provide them with food and fuel.

Expanding populations are subjecting the land to increasing pressures to provide them with food and fuel.

Expanding populations are subjecting the land to increasing pressures to provide them with food and fuel.

In wet periods, the land may be able to respond to these stresses.

In wet periods, the land may be able to respond to these stresses.

In wet periods, the land may be able to respond to these stresses.

During the dry periods that are common phenomena along the desert margins, though, the pressure on the land is often far in excess of its diminished capacity, and desertification results.

During the dry periods that are common phenomena along the desert margins, though, the pressure on the land is often far in excess of its diminished capacity, and desertification results.

During the dry periods that are common phenomena along the desert margins, though, the pressure on the land is often far in excess of its diminished capacity, and desertification results.

During the dry periods that are common phenomena along the desert margins, though, the pressure on the land is often far in excess of its diminished capacity, and desertification results.

Four specific activities have been identified as major contributors to the desertification processes: overcultivation, overgrazing, firewood gathering, and overirrigation.

Four specific activities have been identified as major contributors to the desertification processes: overcultivation, overgrazing, firewood gathering, and overirrigation.

Four specific activities have been identified as major contributors to the desertification processes: overcultivation, overgrazing, firewood gathering, and overirrigation.

Four specific activities have been identified as major contributors to the desertification processes: overcultivation, overgrazing, firewood gathering, and overirrigation.

Four specific activities have been identified as major contributors to the desertification processes: overcultivation, overgrazing, firewood gathering, and overirrigation.

The cultivation of crops has expanded into progressively drier regions as population densities have grown.

The cultivation of crops has expanded into progressively drier regions as population densities have grown.

The cultivation of crops has expanded into progressively drier regions as population densities have grown.

These regions are especially likely to have periods of severe dryness, so that crop failures are common.

These regions are especially likely to have periods of severe dryness, so that crop failures are common.

These regions are especially likely to have periods of severe dryness, so that crop failures are common.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

The raising of livestock is a major economic activity in semiarid lands, where grasses are generally the dominant type of natural vegetation.

The raising of livestock is a major economic activity in semiarid lands, where grasses are generally the dominant type of natural vegetation.

The consequences of an excessive number of livestock grazing in an area are the reduction of the vegetation cover and the trampling and pulverization of the soil.

The consequences of an excessive number of livestock grazing in an area are the reduction of the vegetation cover and the trampling and pulverization of the soil.

The consequences of an excessive number of livestock grazing in an area are the reduction of the vegetation cover and the trampling and pulverization of the soil.

The increased pressures of expanding populations have led to the removal of woody plants so that many cities and towns are surrounded by large areas completely lacking in trees and shrubs.

The increasing use of dried animal waste as a substitute fuel has also hurt the soil because this valuable soil conditioner and source of plant nutrients is no longer being returned to the land.

The increasing use of dried animal waste as a substitute fuel has also hurt the soil because this valuable soil conditioner and source of plant nutrients is no longer being returned to the land.

The increasing use of dried animal waste as a substitute fuel has also hurt the soil because this valuable soil conditioner and source of plant nutrients is no longer being returned to the land.

Excess water from irrigation sinks down into the water table.

If no drainage system exists, the water table rises, bringing dissolved salts to the surface.

The water evaporates and the salts are left behind, creating a white crustal layer that prevents air and water from reaching the underlying soil.

The water evaporates and the salts are left behind, creating a white crustal layer that prevents air and water from reaching the underlying soil.

The water evaporates and the salts are left behind, creating a white crustal layer that prevents air and water from reaching the underlying soil.

The water evaporates and the salts are left behind, creating a white crustal layer that prevents air and water from reaching the underlying soil.

The water evaporates and the salts are left behind, creating a white crustal layer that prevents air and water from reaching the underlying soil.

The extreme seriousness of desertification results from the vast areas of land and the tremendous numbers of people affected, as well as from the great difficulty of reversing or even slowing the process.

The extreme seriousness of desertification results from the vast areas of land and the tremendous numbers of people affected, as well as from the great difficulty of reversing or even slowing the process.

The extreme seriousness of desertification results from the vast areas of land and the tremendous numbers of people affected, as well as from the great difficulty of reversing or even slowing the process.

The extreme seriousness of desertification results from the vast areas of land and the tremendous numbers of people affected, as well as from the great difficulty of reversing or even slowing the process.

The extreme seriousness of desertification results from the vast areas of land and the tremendous numbers of people affected, as well as from the great difficulty of reversing or even slowing the process.

Once the soil has been removed by erosion, only the passage of centuries or millennia will enable new soil to form.

Once the soil has been removed by erosion, only the passage of centuries or millennia will enable new soil to form.

Once the soil has been removed by erosion, only the passage of centuries or millennia will enable new soil to form.

Once the soil has been removed by erosion, only the passage of centuries or millennia will enable new soil to form.

In areas where considerable soil still remains, though, a rigorously enforced program of land protection and cover-crop planting may make it possible to reverse the present deterioration of the surface.

In areas where considerable soil still remains, though, a rigorously enforced program of land protection and cover-crop planting may make it possible to reverse the present deterioration of the surface.

In areas where considerable soil still remains, though, a rigorously enforced program of land protection and cover-crop planting may make it possible to reverse the present deterioration of the surface.

In areas where considerable soil still remains, though, a rigorously enforced program of land protection and cover-crop planting may make it possible to reverse the present deterioration of the surface.

Paragraph 1: The deserts, which already occupy approximately a fourth of the Earth's land surface, have in recent decades been increasing at an alarming pace.

The word “threatened” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○restricted ○endangered ○prevented ○rejected

The word “threatened” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○restricted ○endangered ○prevented ○rejected

The word “threatened” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○restricted ○endangered ○prevented ○rejected

The word “threatened” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○restricted ○endangered ○prevented ○rejected

According to paragraph 3, the loss of natural vegetation has which of the following consequences for soil?

○Increased stony content

The word “delicate” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○fragile ○predictable ○complex ○valuable 4.

The word “delicate” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○fragile ○predictable ○complex ○valuable 4.

The word “delicate” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○fragile ○predictable ○complex ○valuable 4.

According to paragraph 5, in dry periods, border areas have difficulty ○adjusting to stresses created by settlement ○retaining their fertility after desertification ○providing water for irrigating crops ○attracting populations in search of food and fuel

According to paragraph 5, in dry periods, border areas have difficulty ○adjusting to stresses created by settlement ○retaining their fertility after desertification ○providing water for irrigating crops ○attracting populations in search of food and fuel

According to paragraph 6, which of the following is often associated with raising crops?

○Lack of proper irrigation techniques

○Lack of proper irrigation techniques

○Failure to plant crops suited to the particular area

○Removal of the original vegetation

The phrase “devoid of” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○consisting of ○hidden by ○except for ○lacking in

The phrase “devoid of” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○consisting of ○hidden by ○except for ○lacking in

According to paragraph 9, the ground’s absorption of excess water is a factor in desertification because it can ○interfere with the irrigation of land ○limit the evaporation of water ○require more absorption of air by the soil ○bring salts to the surface 9.

According to paragraph 9, the ground’s absorption of excess water is a factor in desertification because it can ○interfere with the irrigation of land ○limit the evaporation of water ○require more absorption of air by the soil ○bring salts to the surface 9.

According to paragraph 9, the ground’s absorption of excess water is a factor in desertification because it can ○interfere with the irrigation of land ○limit the evaporation of water ○require more absorption of air by the soil ○bring salts to the surface 9.

According to paragraph 9, the ground’s absorption of excess water is a factor in desertification because it can ○interfere with the irrigation of land ○limit the evaporation of water ○require more absorption of air by the soil ○bring salts to the surface 9.

All of the following are mentioned in the passage as contributing to desertification EXCEPT ○soil erosion ○global warming ○insufficient irrigation ○the raising of livestock

All of the following are mentioned in the passage as contributing to desertification EXCEPT ○soil erosion ○global warming ○insufficient irrigation ○the raising of livestock

All of the following are mentioned in the passage as contributing to desertification EXCEPT ○soil erosion ○global warming ○insufficient irrigation ○the raising of livestock

Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?

Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?

Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?

○Desertification is a significant problem because it is so hard to reverse and affects large areas of land and great numbers of people.

○Desertification is a significant problem because it is so hard to reverse and affects large areas of land and great numbers of people.

○Desertification is a significant problem because it is so hard to reverse and affects large areas of land and great numbers of people.

○Slowing down the process of desertification is difficult because of population growth that has spread over large areas of land.

○The spread of deserts is considered a very serious problem that can be solved only if large numbers of people in various countries are involved in the effort.

○The spread of deserts is considered a very serious problem that can be solved only if large numbers of people in various countries are involved in the effort.

○The spread of deserts is considered a very serious problem that can be solved only if large numbers of people in various countries are involved in the effort.

○The spread of deserts is considered a very serious problem that can be solved only if large numbers of people in various countries are involved in the effort.

○The spread of deserts is considered a very serious problem that can be solved only if large numbers of people in various countries are involved in the effort.

○Desertification is extremely hard to reverse unless the population is reduced in the vast areas affected.

It can be inferred from the passage that the author most likely believes which of the following about the future of desertification?

It can be inferred from the passage that the author most likely believes which of the following about the future of desertification?

It can be inferred from the passage that the author most likely believes which of the following about the future of desertification?

○Governments will act quickly to control further desertification.

○The factors influencing desertification occur in cycles and will change in the future.

Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage.

This economic reliance on livestock in certain regions makes large tracts of land susceptible to overgrazing.

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.

Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.

Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.

Some answer choices do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage.

Many factors have contributed to the great increase in desertification in recent decades.

○Growing human populations and the agricultural demands that come with such growth have upset the ecological balance in some areas and led to the spread of deserts.

○Growing human populations and the agricultural demands that come with such growth have upset the ecological balance in some areas and led to the spread of deserts.

○Excessive numbers of cattle and the need for firewood for fuel have reduced grasses and trees, leaving the land unprotected and vulnerable.

○Animal dung enriches the soil by providing nutrients for plant growth.