Questions and Answers
What is the location of tropical deserts?
Around the tropics.
Describe the temperature at inland tropical desert locations.
The temperature is very hot in the summer and hot in the winter, with a moderate annual temperature range but a very high diurnal temperature range.
How does the temperature at coastal tropical desert locations differ from inland locations?
The temperature is hot in the summer and very warm in the winter, with lower annual and diurnal temperature ranges.
What is the level of precipitation at inland tropical desert locations?
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Compare precipitation levels at coastal tropical desert locations to inland locations.
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What type of winds are common in tropical desert areas?
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What is a characteristic feature of sunshine in tropical deserts?
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Study Notes
Features of the Tropical Desert Climate
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Location: Found predominantly around the tropics, characterized by specific geographical factors.
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Inland Temperature:
- Extremely hot summers and hot winters; midday sun positioned directly overhead during summer.
- Moderately high annual temperature range; significant diurnal temperature range due to clear skies enhancing daytime heating and nighttime cooling.
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Coastal Temperature:
- Hot summers and very warm winters; lower annual and diurnal temperature ranges compared to inland areas.
- Influenced by maritime effects: the sea regulates land temperatures seasonally and throughout the day.
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Inland Precipitation:
- Very low annual rainfall, typically under 250 mm; precipitation may increase due to relief rainfall in elevated areas.
- Low relative humidity, resulting from a high-pressure system that encourages sinking and warming air, compounded by dry offshore trade winds.
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Coastal Precipitation:
- Even lower than inland locations due to moisture loss from onshore winds condensing over cold offshore currents.
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Winds:
- Characterized by strong, consistent northeast or southeast trade winds, with occasional onshore winds near coastal areas.
- Trade winds originate from sub-tropical high-pressure zones at 30°N and 30°S, flowing towards the equatorial low-pressure belt.
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Sunshine:
- Sunshine is prevalent nearly all day, attributed to low humidity levels resulting in mostly cloudless skies.
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Description
Explore the unique characteristics of the tropical desert climate through flashcards. This quiz covers key terms such as location and temperature variations, providing insights into environmental conditions that define this climate. Perfect for students or enthusiasts looking to enhance their geography knowledge.
