Deserts and Landforms. Flashcards
Name a desert in North America.
Mojave.
Name a desert in South America.
Atacama.
Name 3 deserts in Africa.
Sahara, Namib, Kalahari.
Name a desert in Asia.
Arabian and/or Thar.
Name a desert in Oceania.
Australian desert.
Describe the distribution of worlds hot deserts. (3)
- They are usually found between the latitudes 15˚-35˚ north and south of the equator.
- Located close to tropics.
- Found on the west side of continents.
A desert is a place with less than ____mm of rainfall yearly.
250.
What is the Sahara’s annual precipitation?
What’s the Sahara’s annual average temperature?
30˚C.
In the hottest months temperatures can exceed ___ degrees Celsius.
50.
What is the diurnal temperature range?
37.5˚C to -0.5˚C.
Name and explain 2 reasons for why deserts are dry.
- High pressure; there is high pressure at the tropics where deserts are located. This means the air is sinking therefore clouds can’t form.
- Trade winds.
- Rain shadow effect; When moist air from the sea reaches a mountain range it is forced to rise. As it rises it cools and condensation occurs forming relief rain on the windward side of the mountain.
- Continental Isolation.
- Cold ocean currents.
What are 2 reasons deserts are hot.
- DIFFERENTIAL HEATING:
Their location along the tropics is close proximity to the equator. At the equator the sun is directly overhead therefore the suns rays are more concentrated heating up a smaller area. - LACK OF CLOUD:
All of the suns rays hit the ground.
Name and describe 3 cactus adaptations.
- Spikes instead of leaves; less water is lost.
- Widespread shallow roots; to absorb maximum water after rainfall.
- Deep roots; reach to underground water stores.
- Pleated body; enables the cactus to expand and store water for long dry periods.
- Thick waxy body; prevent water loss.
What’s a salt pan and how is it formed?
Is a dried out salt lake with a crusty salt surface full of salt and other minerals, the minerals reflect off the suns rays and usually appear as white.
