Desert

Formation

A desert is a landform which receives minimal to zero amount of precipitation, holding minimal vegetation and severe temperatures. The formation of deserts begins when water is evaporated from oceans or multiple diverse bodies of water. The evaporated water, converts into water vapours in the current atmosphere, forming clouds. The warm moisture is collecting by the wind, which then passes through the mountain range, forcing the air upwards. Cooling down as it rises, the water condenses turning into snow or rain. The lack of moisture in the sky, terminates clouds from forming. This prevents rain, creating a dry land known as a desert. This area is frequently called a 'rain shadow'.

Diagrams

1. Diverse bodies of water evaporate.

2. Turns into water vapours, forming clouds.

3. Passes through the mountain range, forcing the air upwards.

4. Lack of moisture, prevents clouds, which terminates rain forming a dry land.

Examples of Deserts

Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert travels across both northern China and Mongolia. The temperature range varies depending on the day and season, with the coldest temperatures reaching -38°C and the hottest being +42°C. It is the 5th largest desert in the world and largest in Asia, with a total area of 1,300,000 square kilometres.

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert is 9.2 million km2. It is found in North Africa, stretching across ten different countries consisting of, Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Niger, and Mauritania. Known to be the hottest region of the world, the highest temperature is 40°C, whilst the average rests at 30°C.

Great Victoria Desert

The Great Victoria Desert stretches across eastern Western Australia and South Australia. The temperature of Great Victoria Desert ranges from 32 to 40°C during summer, and 18 to 23°C during winter. It receives on average 163 milli-metres of rainfall yearly.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse