Types of deserts

They are mainly composed of rocks and rocky soil instead of sand. These rocks can vary in size and composition, they are often eroded and worn due to natural processes over time. The lack of vegetation coverage in these deserts allows the rocks to be easily visible and dominate the landscape.

They are usually located in arid and dry regionswith limited precipitation. Low water retention in the rocky soil makes vegetation growth difficult, resulting in poor vegetation coverage in these deserts.

He climate is usually extremewith daytime temperatures that can be very high and night temperatures that can be very low. Vegetation tends to be scarce and limited to areas where there is a greater accumulation of soil and water available. Some plants can find small holes or cracks in the rocks where they can grow and obtain nutrients. These plants are usually resistant and adapted to arid conditions and soil limitations.

Sand deserts are a specific desert type that is characterized by having a large amount of sand on its surface. These deserts are found in various parts of the world and present a series of distinctive characteristics.

In sand deserts Dunes predominate. They are sand formations that accumulate and change constantly due to the predominant winds in the region. They can reach impressive heights and adopt various forms, such as sharp ridges or soft undulations.

Sand deserts are usually located in arid and dry regionswhere the precipitation is scarce. Lack of rain contributes to the accumulation of sand, since water is an important factor in the process of erosion and transport of sediments. In addition, low moisture in these deserts contributes to the formation and stability of sand dunes.

The climate in sand deserts is characterized by extreme temperatures. During the day, temperatures can rise considerably due to intense solar radiation, while at night, temperatures can decrease rapidly due to the lack of clouds and low heat retention in the sand.

You may also be interested in this article about the sand storm: what it is, how it is formed and consequences.

We can find them in the polar regions of the planet, that is, near the north and south poles. These deserts are characterized by their extremely cold and dry climate, with very low temperatures and scarce snow -shaped precipitation.

Precipitation in polar deserts is limited and is generally presented in the form of snow. However, due to low temperatures, The snow does not melt easily and accumulates on the groundcreating a layer of ice that covers the surface. This further hinders water absorption and limits vegetation growth.

The little one is mainly composed of lichens and mosses adapted to low temperatures and lack of water. As for fauna, some animals, such as polar bears and penguinsthey are especially adapted to the cold and have thick fatty layers and fur to keep body heat.

One of the main characteristics of warm deserts is its High and rigorous temperatureexceeding 40 ° C in some cases. The precipitation in the warm deserts is scarce and is presented irregularly.

The vegetation in warm deserts is scarce and adapts to arid and hot conditions. Animals that inhabit these deserts are usually resistant to high temperatures and lack of water.

In this article we tell you why it does not rain in the desert.

They meet near the coastal regionswhere the interaction between the ocean and the earth creates an arid and dry atmosphere. Sea currents and coastal winds can bring moisture from the ocean, but they can also cause greater evaporation and cooling effect.

The climate of coastal deserts is generally Arid and dry, with scarce rainfall. Vegetation in coastal deserts is varied and depends on the availability of water and the intensity of marine winds. The presence of water in the form of lagoons, estuaries or rivers in the vicinity can attract a Variety of bird species and aquatic life.

These deserts stand out for the dominant presence of salt deposits on their surface. These deposits are formed when the water evaporates and leaves the salt minerals, which accumulate over time.

Salt deserts are usually located in arid and dry regions, where evaporation is high and precipitation is scarce. The Lack of rain and high evaporation They allow salt minerals to accumulate and crystallize on the ground surface.

The weather can be extremely dry and warm. Due to the lack of moisture in the air, evaporation is high and can accelerate the process of crystallization of salt. The vegetation is scarce and few plants can survive in these extreme conditions. Animals that inhabit these deserts are usually resistant to the lack of water and high salt concentrations.

These deserts are characterized by their extremely cold weatherwith low temperatures for much of the year. Most of the year, temperatures are maintained below the freezing point, and in some cases they can reach intense cold. Precipitation in cold deserts is generally low, either in the form of snow or as liquid precipitation.

Vegetation in cold deserts is scarce and is mainly composed of resistant and adapted plants to cold and dry conditions. Fauna in cold deserts has also developed notable adaptations to survive in this inhospitable environment. The animals that inhabit these deserts usually have Thick furs, dense pen or fatty layers that protect them from extreme cold.

They are usually found at dry desert edges, In transition zones. They are not as aggressive at the level of rainfall and heat as the previous ones. The best known example in Spain is Tabernas desertin Almería. It is considered the only true desert in Europe.

These deserts receive a annual rainfall of less than 250 mm. The dryness of the climate in the arid deserts is due to several factors, such as geographical location in high -pressure areas, the descending winds that limit cloud formation and the lack of sources of moisture. We have the Simpson desert Located in Australia as an example of arid desert.

Have extreme aridity and drynesspresenting the most extreme conditions in terms of lack of precipitation and shortage of water. They have arid and desolate landscapes, with extensive plains of sand, rocks and dry soils.

The lack of vegetation and the presence of sand dunes can lead to impressive and changing landscapes. Sometimes, salt or mineral deposits can be found due to the evaporation of groundwater. The clearest example is the Atacama desert with annual rainfall ranging from 0 mm to 16 mm. Discover why it does not rain in the Atacama desert.

Now that you know the different types of deserts that exist, do not miss these articles on the biotic and abiotic factors of the desert and the desert ecosystem: characteristics, flora and fauna.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of desertswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.