Year 10 - Geography
Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation
Tropical rainforest and taiga biomes
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit teaches pupils about tropical rainforest and taiga biomes. Pupils learn about its biotic and abiotic characteristics, the adaptations of plants and animals and the threats facing its biodiversity. The unit considers opposing views on protecting and exploiting resources.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use GIS to visualise deforestation and analyse the causes of deforestation.
Key Notes
- GIS uses remote sensing to investigate spatio-temporal changes in rainforests.
- Remote sensing includes satellite imagery and aerial imagery.
- Historical satellite imagery and aerial imagery can be studied using swipe tools such as the Esri Wayback App or 3D GIS.
- Remote sensing can be used to monitor and manage deforestation.
- Remote sensing can be used to analyse a range of economic activities which can contribute to causes of deforestation.
Vocabulary To Learn
- remote sensing: the collection of data at a distance reflected or emitted by objects, living things or areas on different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, observed by satellite or aircraft
- satellite imagery: a type of remote sensing which uses observations by satellites of selected parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to monitor terrestrial, oceanic or atmospheric features and processes
- aerial imagery: a type of remote sensing which uses observations by aircraft of selected parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to monitor terrestrial, oceanic or atmospheric features and processes
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Remote sensing data can easily be misinterpreted, especially if filters have been used.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
GIS uses remote sensing to investigate spatio-temporal changes in rainforests. Remote sensing includes satellite imagery and aerial imagery.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'remote sensing'
the collection of data at a distance reflected or emitted by objects, living things or areas on different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, observed by satellite or aircraft.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: Remote sensing data can easily be misinterpreted, especially if filters have been used. Correction: Areas which appear green on an aerial or satellite image may not necessarily represent, e.g. green palm oil plantation or green fields may not be sustainable compared to the natural rainforest vegetation.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the taiga biome Study Guide
- Causes of biodiversity loss in the taiga biome Study Guide
- Characteristics of tropical rainforests Study Guide
- Conflicting views on protecting/exploiting resources in the taiga biome Study Guide
- Creating and protecting wilderness areas in the taiga biome Study Guide
- Deforestation in Indonesia's tropical rainforest Study Guide
- Deforestation in the tropical rainforest Study Guide
- Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in the taiga biome Study Guide
- Nutrient cycling and biodiversity in tropical rainforests Study Guide
- Plant and animal adaptations in the taiga biome Study Guide
- Plant and animal adaptations in tropical rainforests Study Guide
- Sustainable rainforest management Study Guide
- Threats associated with climate change in the rainforest Study Guide
- Threats to the taiga from commercial development Study Guide
- Value of tropical rainforests to people and the environment Study Guide
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