Deserts: Sahara Desert

• A desert is a dry, barren land with minimal rainfall and sparse vegetation.
• Deserts can be hot or cold.
• Extreme temperatures are typical in deserts.

Hot Deserts: The Sahara Desert

• The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert, located in North Africa.
• The Sahara has a very hot and dry climate.
• Temperatures rise above 50°C during the day and drop significantly at night.
• Rainfall is extremely low, often less than 10 cm per year.
• Strong, dry winds, such as the Harmattan, blow across the Sahara.
• Common plants include cactus, date palms, and thorny bushes, adapted with deep roots to store water.
• The Sahara is home to nomadic groups like the Bedouins and Tuaregs.
• These groups move with their animals (camels, goats) in search of water and food.
• Many people trade goods like salt, cloth, and spices.
• Farming occurs in oases due to underground water, allowing crops like dates, wheat, and barley to grow.
• The Sahara is rich in minerals such as petroleum, natural gas, and iron ore.
• Oil drilling and mining provide employment opportunities.

Cold Deserts: The Ladakh Desert

• Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Himalayas in India.

• The climate is extremely cold and dry.

• Temperatures can drop to -40°C in winter.

• Rainfall is very low, and snowfall is common.

• Limited vegetation includes willows, poplars, and barley.

• The population mainly consists of Tibetans and Ladakhis.

• Buddhism and Islam are the primary religions.

• Houses feature thick walls and flat roofs.

• These protect against extreme cold.

• People wear warm woolen clothes made from yak wool.

• Yaks, sheep, and goats are raised for wool and milk.

• Pashmina wool is sourced from special goats in Ladakh.

• Farming takes place near river valleys, with crops like barley, wheat, and peas.

• Tourism is significant, attracting visitors for monasteries, trekking, and adventure sports.

• Despite harsh conditions, people in both hot and cold deserts have adapted to survive.