By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

• Explain the defining characteristic of a desert and distinguish between the three broad categories of deserts.

• Explain how geographic features, latitude, atmospheric circulation, and Coriolis Effect influence where deserts are located.

• List the primary desert weathering and erosion processes.

• Identify desert landforms.

• Explain how desert landforms are formed by erosion and deposition.

• Describe the main types of sand dunes and the conditions that form them.

• Identify the main features of the Basin and Range desert (United States).

Using ChatGPT to find local Colorado Phenomena

Use the following prompt, adjust accordingly. "I am a high school science teacher looking for a local Colorado phenomena to address NGSS standard (enter standard you are looking for... example HS-LS1-6)"

Career Connections

Connecting what students are learning to careers not only deepens their engagement in school but also helps them make more informed choices about their future. Browse the following related career profiles to discover what scientists really do on the job and what it takes to prepare for these careers. For additional profiles visit your Year at a Glance Page.

• The Importance of creating Active Learners

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