Deserts Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a defining characteristic of all deserts?

A

All deserts are dry

Deserts have very low precipitation levels.

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2
Q

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

A

One third

This highlights the vast areas classified as desert environments.

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3
Q

How are the world’s driest lands classified?

A

By how much precipitation they receive

This classification helps in understanding desert types.

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4
Q

Name the three types of deserts.

A
  • Arid
  • Extremely Arid
  • Semiarid

These classifications reflect varying levels of dryness.

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5
Q

Where do cold deserts typically lie?

A

Around the tropics and on high ground

Cold deserts can have significant temperature variations.

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6
Q

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

A

They experience very low humidity

This results in extreme temperature fluctuations.

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7
Q

What happens to precipitation in polar deserts?

A

It falls as snow

Polar deserts are characterized by low temperatures and minimal moisture.

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8
Q

What is a key feature of desert nights?

A

Nothing traps the heat

This leads to significantly cooler temperatures at night.

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9
Q

What are some examples of cold deserts?

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

These deserts vary in geography and climate.

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10
Q

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

A

[precipitation]

This classification is essential for understanding desert ecosystems.

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11
Q

True or False: All deserts have hot summers.

A

False

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

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