Geography of the Sahara Desert
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Questions and Answers

Water means life to plants, animals, and ______.

people

Places with no water for cattle to feed on are often found in ______ regions.

desert

The Sahara desert is the world’s largest ______.

desert

The Sahara desert touches eleven ______.

<p>countries</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides vast stretches of sand, the Sahara has gravel plains and elevated ______.

<p>plateaus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cave paintings in the Sahara show that it once used to be a lush green ______.

<p>plain</p> Signup and view all the answers

The climate of the Sahara desert is scorching hot and ______ dry.

<p>parch</p> Signup and view all the answers

Al Azizia is located in the Sahara and is known for its ______ temperatures.

<p>extreme</p> Signup and view all the answers

Libya recorded the highest temperature of ______ in 1922.

<p>57.7°C</p> Signup and view all the answers

The vegetation in the Sahara desert includes cactus, date palms and ______.

<p>acacia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Camels, hyenas, jackals, and ______ are prominent animal species in the Sahara.

<p>foxes</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Sahara desert has been inhabited by groups such as the ______ and Tuaregs.

<p>Bedouins</p> Signup and view all the answers

The oasis in the Sahara supports a settled population because ______ is available.

<p>water</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the depressions where underground water reaches the surface, an ______ is formed.

<p>oasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Egyptian ______, famous worldwide, is grown in Egypt.

<p>cotton</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dust storms and hot winds lead to the formation of ______ in the Sahara.

<p>depressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Manali - Leh highway crosses four passes, including Rohtang la, Baralacha la, Lungalacha la, and ______.

<p>Tanglang la</p> Signup and view all the answers

Visits to the gompas, treks to see the meadows and glaciers, and witnessing ceremonies and ______ are important activities for tourists.

<p>festivities</p> Signup and view all the answers

Life of people in Ladakh is undergoing change due to ______.

<p>modernisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Due to the scarcity of resources like water and fuel, they are used with ______ and care.

<p>reverence</p> Signup and view all the answers

The highway opens only between July and ______ when snow is cleared from the road.

<p>September</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ladakh is also known as ______ which means snow land.

<p>Khapa-chan</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you sit in the sun with your feet in the shade, you may suffer from both sunstroke and ______ at the same time.

<p>frost bite</p> Signup and view all the answers

Due to high aridity, the vegetation is sparse with scanty patches of grasses and shrubs for animals to ______.

<p>graze</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the summers, fruit trees such as apples, apricots, and ______ bloom.

<p>walnuts</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Chiru or the Tibetan antelope is an endangered species that is hunted for its wool known as ______.

<p>shahtoosh</p> Signup and view all the answers

Some famous monasteries in Ladakh are Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, and ______.

<p>Lamayuru</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the summer season, the people are busy cultivating barley, potatoes, peas, beans, and ______.

<p>turnip</p> Signup and view all the answers

The National Highway 1 connects Leh to the Kashmir Valley through the ______.

<p>Zoji La Pass</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sahara is located in the ______ part of Africa.

<p>northern</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Sahara is classified as a ______ desert.

<p>hot</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ladakh desert is mainly inhabited by ______ and Muslims.

<p>Buddhists</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deserts are characterised by ______ vegetation.

<p>scanty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hemis in the Ladakh is a famous ______.

<p>monastery</p> Signup and view all the answers

Egypt is famous for growing ______.

<p>cotton</p> Signup and view all the answers

An oasis is a ______ with water found in a desert.

<p>depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ladakh is located in the Great ______ mountains.

<p>Himalayas</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rivers in Ladakh form deep valleys and ______.

<p>gorges</p> Signup and view all the answers

Drass, located in Ladakh, is one of the coldest inhabited places on ______.

<p>earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

The altitude in Ladakh varies from about 3000m in Kargil to more than ______m in the Karakoram.

<p>8000</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Ladakh, the temperature at night can drop well below ______ degrees Celsius.

<p>-30</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the ______ mountains.

<p>Himalayas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Several glaciers, including the Gangri ______, are found in Ladakh.

<p>glacier</p> Signup and view all the answers

The climate in Ladakh is classified as extremely ______ and dry due to its high altitude.

<p>cold</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Desert

A very dry region with little rainfall, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures (either hot or cold).

Hot Desert

A type of desert with scorching temperatures, little rain, and clear skies.

Sahara Desert

The world's largest desert, located in North Africa, covering a vast area of sand, gravel plains and rocky plateaus.

Rainy Season in the Sahara

A short period of time during the year in which a desert receives some rainfall.

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Al Azizia

A place in the Sahara Desert that has the highest recorded temperature in the world.

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Cave Paintings in the Sahara

Cave paintings found in the Sahara Desert that depict a lush green past with animals like crocodiles, elephants, lions, giraffes, ostriches, sheep, cattle, and goats.

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Climate Change in the Sahara

A change in the climate of the Sahara Desert that transformed it from a lush green plain into a hot and dry desert.

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Coping with Harsh Temperatures

The ability of people to adapt and live in places with harsh conditions, such as deserts.

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Ladakh

A cold desert located in the Great Himalayas, situated on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Boundaries of Ladakh

The Karakoram Range in the north and the Zanskar mountains in the south enclose Ladakh.

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Indus River in Ladakh

The Indus River is the most important river flowing through Ladakh, creating deep valleys and gorges.

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Climate of Ladakh

Due to its high altitude, Ladakh experiences extremely cold and dry conditions.

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High Altitude Effects in Ladakh

The air in Ladakh is thin due to its high altitude, causing intense sunlight and cold temperatures.

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Winter in Ladakh

Ladakh experiences freezing cold winters with temperatures below -40°C for most of the time.

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Rain Shadow Effect in Ladakh

Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, leading to a significantly low rainfall.

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Etymology of 'Ladakh'

The word 'Ladakh' is derived from two Tibetan words: 'La' meaning 'mountain pass' and 'Dak' meaning 'country'.

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Sahara Desert Climate

The Sahara Desert is known for its extreme temperature fluctuations, with scorching days and freezing nights.

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Moisture Balance in the Sahara

The Sahara Desert experiences a very low rate of moisture accumulation compared to the rate of evaporation, creating a harsh and dry environment.

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Oasis in the Sahara

Oasis in the Sahara are fertile pockets of land with water sources, supporting vegetation like date palms and facilitating settlements.

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Nomadic Tribes in the Sahara

The Bedouins and Tuaregs are nomadic tribes in the Sahara, who rely on livestock for survival, using their milk, hide, and hair for various purposes.

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Sahara Desert Fauna

Camels, hyenas, jackals, foxes, scorpions, snakes, and lizards are prominent animals adapted to the harsh environment of the Sahara Desert.

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Oasis Formation

Depressions form in the Sahara when winds erode the sand, and when groundwater reaches the surface in these depressions, fertile oases are formed.

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Oil Discovery in the Sahara

The discovery of oil in Algeria, Libya, and Egypt brought economic importance to these countries in the Sahara region.

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Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton, renowned worldwide, is cultivated in Egypt, benefiting from available water resources in the Nile Valley.

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Rohtang La

A high mountain pass located in the Himalayas, situated on the Manali-Leh highway. Its elevation allows it to be covered in snow for significant periods.

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Ladakh Desert Climate

The Ladakh Desert experiences cold, arid conditions with low rainfall and harsh winters.

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Life in Ladakh

The people of Ladakh have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert and strive to use natural resources like water and fuel with care and respect.

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Tourist Attractions in Ladakh

Gompas, treks to meadows and glaciers, and witnessing ceremonies and festivals are major draws for visitors.

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Manali-Leh Highway Opening Season

The Manali-Leh highway opens in the summer months, between July and September, when the snow is clear from the road.

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Ladakh's Climate

Found in the Himalayan region, Ladakh is known for its extreme climatic conditions with freezing winds and scorching sunlight. It experiences very low rainfall, as little as 10 cm annually.

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Ladakh's Vegetation

Due to the arid environment of Ladakh, vegetation is sparse. There are small areas with grasses and shrubs for animals to graze. Willow and poplar trees thrive in the valleys, and fruit trees like apples, apricots, and walnuts bloom in the summer.

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Ladakh's Animals

Ladakh is home to various animals, including wild goats, sheep, yak, and special breeds of dogs. These animals are raised for their milk, meat, and hides. Yak milk is used to make cheese and butter, while sheep and goat hair is used for wool.

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Ladakh's Culture & Religion

Ladakh's people are either Muslims or Buddhists. The landscape is dotted with Buddhist monasteries known as 'gompas,' famous examples being Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, and Lamayuru.

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Ladakh's Agriculture & Activities

In the summer, people in Ladakh busy themselves with cultivating crops such as barley, potatoes, peas, beans, and turnips. The harsh winters lead them to engage in festivities and ceremonies.

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Ladakh's Cultural Connections

The people of Ladakh share cultural similarities with those of Tibet and Central Asia. This reflects the interconnectedness of the Himalayan region.

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Ladakh's Transportation

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is well connected by road and air. The National Highway 1 links Leh to the Kashmir Valley via the Zoji La Pass.

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Endangered Species: Chiru

The Chiru, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is an endangered species hunted for its warm wool called 'shahtoosh'.

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Where is the Sahara Desert located?

The Sahara Desert is located in the northern part of Africa. It is surrounded by countries like Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Western Sahara.

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What kind of desert is the Sahara?

The Sahara Desert is known for its extremely hot temperatures, making it a hot desert. It receives very little rainfall and experiences scorching sun.

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Who lives in Ladakh?

The Ladakh Desert is a cold desert located in the Himalayas. It is inhabited by Buddhists and Muslims, who have adapted to its unique cold and dry climate.

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What are deserts characterized by?

Deserts have very little rainfall and vegetation, making them dry and barren. This lack of rain leads to a limited supply of water, making it difficult for plants to thrive.

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What is Hemis?

Hemis is a famous monastery located in Ladakh. It is an important place of worship for Buddhists, known for its spiritual significance and stunning location in the Himalayas.

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What is Egypt famous for growing?

Egypt is a major producer of cotton. It has a suitable climate and fertile soil to grow cotton, which is widely used in Egyptian textile industries.

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What is an oasis?

An oasis is a fertile area in a desert where underground water springs to the surface, creating a source of water and vegetation. It is a vital source of life for desert dwellers.

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Who are Bedouins?

Bedouins are nomadic people who traditionally live in the Sahara Desert, known for their resilience and ability to survive in harsh environments. They are known for their distinctive clothing and way of life.

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Study Notes

Life in Deserts

  • Deserts are arid regions with extremely high or low temperatures and scarce vegetation. Water is essential for life, and deserts lack sufficient water for plants, animals, and people.
  • Hot deserts, like the Sahara, are characterized by scorching heat, low rainfall, scanty vegetation, and extreme temperatures.
  • Cold deserts, like Ladakh, are characterized by extremely low temperatures, low rainfall, and freezing conditions.
  • The Sahara Desert is the world's largest desert, covering a large portion of North Africa. It spans approximately 8.54 million sq km. Its landscape includes sand, gravel plains, and elevated plateaus.
  • The Sahara desert covers 11 countries: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.
  • The Sahara Desert's climate is extremely hot and dry, with short rainy seasons. Days are extremely hot, reaching high temperatures like 50°C.
  • Vegetation in the Sahara is sparse, with cacti, date palms, and acacia trees in some areas. Oases, with pockets of water and vegetation, are also found.
  • Animals in the Sahara include camels, hyenas, jackals, and many reptiles.
  • The Sahara has been inhabited by nomadic peoples like the Bedouins and Tuaregs, who raise livestock like goats, sheep, camels, and horses, which provide them with food and materials. Settled communities in oasis areas grow crops like rice, wheat, barley, and beans along with cotton.
  • Modern activities like oil and gas exploration are changing the Sahara Desert's landscape and way of life.
  • Ladakh, located in the Himalayas, is a cold desert with high altitude and extreme temperatures. It's characterized by freezing conditions in winter, with temperatures dropping to below −40 °C. The summers are also quite cold.
  • Ladakh's landscape is rugged, with mountains and valleys. Rivers like the Indus are significant.
  • Vegetation in Ladakh includes grasses, shrubs, willows, poplars, fruit trees (apples, apricots, walnuts), and various bird species. Animals include wild goats, wild sheep, yaks.
  • Ladakh's people are primarily either Muslims or Buddhist. People of Ladakh are engaged in farming, livestock, or some small business activities.
  • Tourism is a significant activity in Ladakh and the Sahara Desert due to their unique landscapes and cultural significance.

Deserts Types

  • Two main types of deserts exist globally: hot deserts and cold deserts.

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Life in the Deserts PDF

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This quiz explores various aspects of the Sahara Desert, including its climate, vegetation, and the animal species that inhabit it. Test your knowledge about the significance of water, historical cave paintings, and the cultures that have thrived in this vast, arid region.

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