World Desert Map

A location where life forms are known for their endurance and resilience is what makes deserts an astounding physical relief feature. From being a witness to undulating sand dunes to housing intricate rock formations, the topography of this region is severely different from other arenas of the world. A desert is a region that obtains an incredibly low amount of precipitation, or it can also be defined as an area where more water is lost by evaporation than water received by precipitation. Most deserts receive an average precipitation of less than 400 mm annually.

The deserts in the world are divided into three types :

• Subtropical deserts - They are the hottest deserts with dry terrain and rapid evaporation rates.
• Cool coastal deserts - The average temperature in these deserts is much cooler because of cold offshore oceanic currents.
• Cold winter deserts - They are striking with harsh temperature differences ranging from 38°C in summers to -12°C in winters.

Apart from these, the Polar Regions are also measured as deserts because virtually all the moisture in these parts is accumulated in the form of ice.

Ecosystems and thriving forms of life

Semi-arid and arid zones are often known to be areas that have low agricultural productivity and often witness limited plant growth. This is primarily due to the absence of adequate rainfall, the existence of extreme temperatures, and the phenomenon of sand dunes. Erosional activities are also quite common in desert areas, due to which vegetation is sporadically distributed across the region.

Plant species face various challenges apart from those dealing with the weather conditions. The extreme climate causes a significant loss of water in the process of photosynthesis. To counter this, plants often have small leaves or are marked by the absence of leaves. In addition to this, certain species are also covered with a waxy coating to minimize water loss owing to the presence of transpiration. Over the years, these forms of plants have come to acquire the name xerophytes. Also, to prevent being eaten by predators, certain species have evolved to acquire thorns and spines to ward off animals. This is common to plants such as cacti.

The variety in animal life is also notable, and those who become adapted to live in deserts are termed xerocoles. These species show unique adaptations to make do through their time in the arid regions. These include the development of specializations in their kidneys, having higher metabolic rates, and developing an insulation layer under the fur covering. Many animals adapt to being nocturnal and come out of their burrows during the night, when the climatic conditions are relatively cooler. The various animal species that can be found in deserts include emperor penguins, oryx, sangrouse, kangaroo, camel, flies, beetles, ants, termites, locusts, lizards, and snakes.

The intricate balance of the desert ecosystems is maintained by these varied adaptations that include advanced water conservation techniques, temperature-regulating activities, hibernation practices, and camouflage techniques. These adaptations help the animals to traverse difficult terrains and continue their species even in harsh climates. The forms of life carve their existence amidst the odds and are a case in point of the variability and diversity that prevail in nature.

Significance of Deserts

Often seen as dry, barren, and unwelcome areas of land, deserts in their entirety possess various dimensions and are important to the sustenance of the planet and certain forms of life. They can serve as a refuge for tourists as well as natives and every other being that goes out to admire its striking beauty. In addition to fulfilling aesthetic needs, the landscape is of importance in various other domains. These can be segregated in terms of various dimensions such as ecological, cultural, scientific, and spiritual.

These areas serve as biodiversity hotspots and are home to diverse forms of flora and fauna despite the prevailing harsh conditions. Plants such as cacti and animals such as rats, scorpions, and camels are well adapted to live a life in arid to semi-arid climatic conditions. It is also a site of various ecosystems such as salt flats, sand dunes, and metamorphic formations. The soil found in these regions is also known for its ability to recycle nutrients and conserve the limited amount of water resources available.

These areas have resided within themselves various ancient civilizations, which speak of the communities’ resilience, valor, and endurance. They are also chief sites of archaeological discovery, as several artifacts, manuscripts, and treasures have been discovered here. These treasures offer an insight into the lives of the ancient societies that resided in the desert regions. In addition to this, the ideas of religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are said to have begun in deserts.

Deserts act as a prime laboratory that offers an opportunity to study adaptation and exclusion in seclusion. They also provide an account of how various animals develop in order to ease their sustenance in extreme climatic conditions. Along with this, the clear skies form ideal locations for stargazing, such as that in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Being rich in minerals, they also attract various mining operations that are aimed at obtaining resources such as salt, gypsum, uranium, manganese, and other precious metals. These minerals are significant for the economic prosperity of the nation and also contribute greatly to its gross domestic production.

FAQs

Q1: What are some of the largest deserts in the world?

The largest deserts in the world include the Sahara desert, Arabian desert, Gobi desert, Kalahari desert, and Antarctic desert.

Q2: What are some of the common animals that are adapted to survive the harsh climatic conditions that prevail in deserts?

The major species of animals that can be found in the hot climate of the deserts include camels, fennec foxes, antelopes, and kangaroo rats, and those that are primarily found to inhabit the cold deserts include snow leopards.

Q3: What are the unique features that classically characterize a desert?

Deserts are often marked by the occurrence of sand dunes, have the presence of oases, and consist of salt flats and eroded rock formations. These distinct geographical and geological formations are unique to the desert regions.