_Deserts: Characteristics, Types, and Formation_

Definition and Characteristics

• A desert is a region that receives very little rainfall, typically less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) per year.
• Deserts are often characterized by:
  • High temperatures during the day
  • Low temperatures at night
  • Limited vegetation
  • Limited access to water

Types of Deserts

• Hot Deserts: characterized by high temperatures and low humidity, e.g. Sahara, Mojave, and Australian Outback.
• Cold Deserts: characterized by low temperatures and low humidity, e.g. Gobi and Patagonia.
• Coastal Deserts: characterized by cool temperatures and high humidity, e.g. Atacama and Namib.

Formation of Deserts

• Deserts can form due to:
  • Rain Shadow Effect: mountains blocking moisture-laden air from reaching the area
  • Trade Winds: winds that blow from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, reducing rainfall
  • Cold Ocean Currents: cold ocean currents that reduce evaporation and lead to low humidity

Desert Ecosystems

• Despite the harsh conditions, deserts support a variety of unique and adapted plant and animal species.
• Adaptations: desert organisms have evolved to conserve water, e.g. cacti store water, camels store water in their humps.

Human Impact on Deserts

• Desertification: the process of fertile land becoming desert due to human activities, e.g. overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change.
• Conservation Efforts: protecting desert ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use practices.