Deserts

Deserts receive less than 25 cm of precipitation annually and form in four main regions: subtropics, rain shadow areas, regions with cold ocean currents, and polar regions. Subtropical deserts like the Sahara form due to dry air from the equator. Rain shadow deserts, such as the Gobi, are shielded by mountains. Cold ocean currents create deserts like the Atacama by cooling air and causing rain before clouds reach land. Polar deserts, like Antarctica, form due to extreme cold freezing water vapor. Despite differences, all deserts are characterized by dryness.

What is a defining characteristic of subtropical deserts?

• Proximity to polar regions

• Dry, cloudless air

• Presence of lush vegetation

• High levels of precipitation

Which desert is an example of a rain shadow desert?

• Atacama Desert

• Sahara Desert

• Gobi Desert

• Antarctic Desert

How do cold ocean currents contribute to desert formation?

• By lowering air temperature and causing rain before reaching land

• By melting ice caps

• By causing heavy rainfall inland

• By increasing air temperature

Which desert is known as the driest in the world?

• Antarctic Desert

• Sahara Desert

• Gobi Desert

• Atacama Desert

What makes Antarctica a desert despite its ice coverage?

• Lack of precipitation

• Abundant vegetation

• Proximity to the equator

• High temperatures