The carbon cycle in the Imlil Valley
Overview
The Carbon Cycle is a key topic studied across all AS/A level specifications. Students need to understand the inputs, stores, transfers and outputs and appreciate factors affecting variations in magnitude and change (spatially and temporally).
Imlil provides excellent opportunities for students to reinforce their understanding of the carbon cycle by applying their knowledge to the landscape in the Imlil valley. The ideal location for this is on the roof terrace at the Kasbah du Toubkal which affords panoramic views of the area.
Resources
- Resource 1:
Download Carbon Cycle in the Imlil valley
An introduction to the opportunities for studying aspects of the carbon cycle. - Resource 2:
Download Field sketch view from Kasbah du Toubkal
This provides students with a basic sketch outline to support a detailed annotated sketch to show aspects and factors affecting the carbon cycle. - Resource 3:
Download Carbon Cycle Field Investigations
This gives some suggestions for field investigations associated with the carbon cycle. Details of techniques are widely referenced in field textbooks.
Student activities
The Imlil area provides an excellent opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and understanding of the carbon cycle in an unfamiliar setting. Through observation and discussion, along with the use of annotated sketches and photos, students should be able to reinforce their understanding of these key topics and ‘see’ at first hand the interrelationships and linkages that exist between the various components.
- From a suitable viewing platform, for example the rooftop terrace at the Kasbah du Toubkal students can consider the various components of the carbon cycle, such as vegetation and land use change (afforestation, urbanisation and changes in farming practice). Observations can be collated in a table or by means of a simple diagram.
- Students could be asked to draw a sketch map of a view from the roof terrace, adding labels and annotations that are pertinent to the carbon cycle. A simple base sketch map (Resource 2) is included in the resource folder – students could add further details to the sketch, such as villages, roads and newly planted pine trees.
- Students could consider the factors affecting change in the carbon cycle, such as afforestation, urbanisation (roads, new buildings) and changing farm practices.
- By means of follow-up, students could attempt essay questions, for example:
- Discuss the factors affecting the magnitude of flows and stores in the Imlil valley
- Discuss the factors affecting change in the carbon cycle in the Imlil valley
(See Resource 3 for practical field activities)
- Download all resources (zipped folder)
- To download resources in Microsoft Word format for editing etc., please contact us via the contact page.
