Deserts and winds

Question 1

What defines a desert in terms of precipitation?

Answer 1

Less than 250 mm of annual rainfall or water loss greater than gain

Question 2

What causes subtropical deserts like the Sahara?

Answer 2

High-pressure systems with sinking, warming air

Question 3

What is a rain shadow desert?

Answer 3

A desert formed behind mountain ranges where air loses its moisture

Question 4

How does wind move sediment in deserts?

Answer 4

Through saltation, suspension, and surface creep

Question 5

What is loess?

Answer 5

A fine-grained, windblown silt

Question 6

What kind of dune forms when wind comes from one consistent direction?

Answer 6

Barchan dune

Question 7

What are yardangs and ventifacts?

Answer 7

Wind-eroded rock features

Question 8

What forms a bajada?

Answer 8

Merged alluvial fans at the base of mountains

Question 9

What is a playa in desert geology?

Answer 9

A dry, flat lakebed

Question 10

What is the final stage in desert landscape evolution?

Answer 10

Peneplain formation with inselbergs