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Questions and Answers
Approximately what fraction of the Earth's land surface is covered by deserts?
Approximately what fraction of the Earth's land surface is covered by deserts?
- One-half
- One-tenth
- One-third
- One-fifth (correct)
What is the primary criterion used to define an area as a desert?
What is the primary criterion used to define an area as a desert?
- Dominance of sand dunes
- Average annual rainfall (correct)
- High average daily temperature
- Specific type of vegetation
Which factor contributes most to the temperature fluctuation in deserts between day and night?
Which factor contributes most to the temperature fluctuation in deserts between day and night?
- High levels of cloud cover
- Low humidity (correct)
- Proximity to large bodies of water
- Dense vegetation cover
Why do some deserts experience cold temperatures at night?
Why do some deserts experience cold temperatures at night?
Which of the following best explains why deserts can get very cold at night?
Which of the following best explains why deserts can get very cold at night?
What characteristic defines Antarctica as a desert?
What characteristic defines Antarctica as a desert?
Which of the following is true about hot and cold deserts?
Which of the following is true about hot and cold deserts?
Which desert is recognized as the largest hot desert in the world?
Which desert is recognized as the largest hot desert in the world?
The Sahara Desert spans across which continent?
The Sahara Desert spans across which continent?
Deserts are classified into different types based on various factors. Which of the following lists the four main types of deserts?
Deserts are classified into different types based on various factors. Which of the following lists the four main types of deserts?
The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is an example of which type of desert?
The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is an example of which type of desert?
What is a distinguishing feature of coastal deserts that sets them apart from other types of deserts?
What is a distinguishing feature of coastal deserts that sets them apart from other types of deserts?
Why do coastal deserts often experience fog instead of rainfall?
Why do coastal deserts often experience fog instead of rainfall?
Coastal deserts are found on coasts, where the land meets the ocean. What do the winds that blow over these deserts typically bring?
Coastal deserts are found on coasts, where the land meets the ocean. What do the winds that blow over these deserts typically bring?
Which of the following deserts is located on the coast of Africa?
Which of the following deserts is located on the coast of Africa?
Which of the following best characterizes semi-arid deserts?
Which of the following best characterizes semi-arid deserts?
In which country is the largest desert in Europe located?
In which country is the largest desert in Europe located?
Where is the Tabernas Desert located?
Where is the Tabernas Desert located?
Which of the following conditions is typical for a semi-arid desert environment?
Which of the following conditions is typical for a semi-arid desert environment?
The Bardenas Reales is located in which region?
The Bardenas Reales is located in which region?
Flashcards
How much of Earth is desert?
How much of Earth is desert?
Deserts cover about a fifth of the Earth's surface.
Desert Rainfall Definition
Desert Rainfall Definition
Deserts are defined as areas receiving less than 25 cm of rainfall annually.
Desert Temperature Fluctuation
Desert Temperature Fluctuation
Because deserts are very dry, they have very low humidity, allowing heat to escape quickly at night.
Largest Desert
Largest Desert
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Largest Hot Desert
Largest Hot Desert
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Four Desert Types
Four Desert Types
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Coastal Desert
Coastal Desert
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Coastal Desert Formation
Coastal Desert Formation
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Europe's Largest Desert
Europe's Largest Desert
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Study Notes
- Deserts cover about a fifth of the Earth's surface, which is equivalent to one-third of the world's landmass
- They are defined as areas that receive an average of less than 25 cm of rainfall annually
Temperature in Deserts
- Deserts can experience extreme temperature fluctuations, being very hot during the day and very cold at night
- Deserts have very low humidity due to their dryness
- Because humidity is low, heat from the sun is not trapped
- This can result in some deserts getting cold at night, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius
Types of Deserts
- There are both hot and cold deserts
- Antarctica is the largest desert in the world
- The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert worldwide
- There are four types of deserts: Polar, Subtropical, Coastal, and Semiarid
Coastal Deserts
- Atacama Desert in Chile, South America is a coastal desert
- Coastal deserts are located on coasts where land meets the ocean
- Winds blowing over coastal deserts come from across the ocean, but they do not bring rain
Other Deserts
- Fog, a thick cloud of tiny water droplets too small to fall as rain, is common in coastal deserts
- The largest desert in Europe is located in Spain
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