The Hot Desert Climate

Question 1

Features

Answer 1

Temperatures - high daytime temperatures reach 30°C to 50°C
Los night-time temperatures get down to 5°C
Precipitation - conditions are very dry and rainfall is rare, annual total less than 100mm, long periods of drought, with occasional sudden downpours of rain

Question 2

Reasons

Answer 2

Clear skies because there is no water vapour, sun high in the skit because it is near the equator
No cloud cover so there is rapid loss of heat, large temperature range between day and night, night is known as the ‘winter of the desert’ because the nights can get so cold
Dry winds blow over some areas, some winds blow over cold currents and don’t pick up any moisture

Question 3

Vegetation, animals, people

Answer 3

Very little natural vegetation due to lack of moisture
Plants adjust to the lack of moisture
• They are spaced widely apart
• They have taproots that go deep into the ground
Animals - camels adapt to climate
• They store fat in their hump for food reserves
• Long eyelashes to protect from sand

Question 4

What are the causes of desertification

Answer 4

Drought - not enough rain, global warming
Population growth - greater demand for firewood so forests are cleared for farming
Overgrazing - increased number of cattle and sheep

Question 5

What are the results of desertification

Answer 5

Famines

Migration

Question 6

What are solutions

Answer 6

Planting new vegetation
New breeds of animals that suit drier climates
Deeper wells can be dug out
Creating more grassland