I WONDER - Are All Deserts Hot?

A desert is defined by its low precipitation, receiving less than 10 inches annually. Precipitation includes rain, hail, and snow. The largest deserts, the Arctic and Antarctic, are cold. Deserts can be too hot or cold for much rain, leading to their classification.

What is the primary factor that determines if an area is a desert?

• The amount of precipitation

• The average temperature

• The type of soil

• The presence of sand dunes

Which of the following is NOT considered a form of precipitation?

• Hail

• Fog

• Rain

• Snow

Which two regions are the largest deserts in the world?

• Mojave and Sonoran

• Kalahari and Atacama

• Arctic and Antarctic

• Sahara and Gobi

How much precipitation does an area receive annually to be classified as a desert?

• Less than 20 inches

• Less than 5 inches

• Less than 10 inches

• Less than 15 inches

Why are some places classified as deserts despite being very cold?

• They are located near the equator

• They have high temperatures

• They receive minimal precipitation

• They have sandy terrain