7.1 Physical Characteristics of Hot deserts Flashcards
What are 2 physical characteristics of a desert?
➢ less than 250mm of rainfall per year
➢ High temperatures
Why is there a lack of rain in a desert?
➢ There is areas of high pressure due to the air descending
➢ This is caused by global atmospheric circulation
➢ This means that theirs is a lack of clouds, which means there is a lack of rain
What are desert soils like?
➢ Sandy and stony
➢ Little organic matter due to lack of leafy vegetation
➢ Dry
➢ Not very fertile
Why do plants have thin leaves/spines in a hot desert?
➢ Reduces water loss
What are the benefits of being nocturnal?
➢ Can go outside at nigh-time due to low temperatures
What are the benefits of having long taproots?
➢ Can access groundwater
What reduces water loss?
➢ Small leaves
➢ Glossy and waxy leaves
