Deserts

Question 1

What is a defining characteristic of all deserts?

Answer 1

All deserts are dry

Deserts have very low precipitation levels.

Question 2

What fraction of the world’s land surface is made up of deserts?

Answer 2

One third

This highlights the vast areas classified as desert environments.

Question 3

How are the world’s driest lands classified?

Answer 3

By how much precipitation they receive

This classification helps in understanding desert types.

Question 4

Name the three types of deserts.

Answer 4

• Arid
• Extremely Arid
• Semiarid

These classifications reflect varying levels of dryness.

Question 5

Where do cold deserts typically lie?

Answer 5

Around the tropics and on high ground

Cold deserts can have significant temperature variations.

Question 6

What is a characteristic of hot summers in deserts north of the Tropic of Cancer?

Answer 6

They experience very low humidity

This results in extreme temperature fluctuations.

Question 7

What happens to precipitation in polar deserts?

Answer 7

It falls as snow

Polar deserts are characterized by low temperatures and minimal moisture.

Question 8

What is a key feature of desert nights?

Answer 8

Nothing traps the heat

This leads to significantly cooler temperatures at night.

Question 9

What are some examples of cold deserts?

Answer 9

• Gobi (Asia - China)
• Antarctic
• Sahara (Northern Africa)
• Australian desert
• Namib (Namibia)
• Hamikia (Africa)

These deserts vary in geography and climate.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The world’s driest lands are often classified by how much _______ they receive.

Answer 10

[precipitation]

This classification is essential for understanding desert ecosystems.

Question 11

True or False: All deserts have hot summers.

Answer 11

False

Deserts can be classified as cold or hot based on temperature.