essay on life in desert

Ever wondered about the natural world in this desert environment we live in? Ecologist Dr Aspa shares with us her intimate knowledge of, and the surprising beauty found in, this unique ecosystem and how important it is to protect it.

Many people view the desert as a barren place, tell us about life here

It is true that the Qatari desert looks dusty, empty and quiet.

But actually, she hosts 2,000 species of organisms, not counting microbes, half on land and the rest in her coasts and seas. Their activity is imperceivable, because most animals lead a cryptic existence, camouflaged to blend in with the desert colors, or hiding in their burrows in daytime.

Much of my understanding of her inhabitants comes from spending endless hours roaming the desert, imprinting the surroundings and seasonal changes. Reading signs of activity, and tracking footprints, the ancient art of indigenous people, I have “seen” the fox chasing a desert hare, the dhub living peacefully next to a jird’s burrow, Arabian horned vipers side winding down sandy patches, and camels sand bathing.

The rains and cooler temperatures of the winter and spring, bring the growth of annuals, painting the desert green and signaling reproduction cues for animals. Chances of live sightings during this time increase, and explorers who sit still and quiet, are rewarded by the European Hoopoe, the blue-headed agama, the Egyptian hedgehog and many others.

How do these organisms cope with extreme heat?

Life in the desert is all about maintaining a balance of thermal energy and water. For example, to avoid over-heating the fox releases heat from her long ears, and stays mostly in her burrow during daytime to avoid the scorching rays of the sun.

Many animals exhibit this behavior of avoidance to the extremes. Water conservation is a physiological adaptation. Animals obtain most of their water from prey or plants, and are more efficient at retaining it in their bodies than we are. This is why the dhub’s poop and urine are solid and dry.

When it comes to plants, perennials have an amazing capacity at extracting scarce nutrients from the soil, and annuals are very fast in their response to rain, going from seed to vegetative state to seed dispersal, a full life cycle, in just a matter of a few months.

What is your personal favourite desert inhabitant?

All the desert inhabitants are my favorite because as an ecologist I have an innate sense of how important each one is to the healthy functioning of nature.

If I had to choose, I would deem cyanobacteria my top favourite, because they are what brought me to the desert, and although tiny, they revolutionised biological life as we know it by oxygenating the atmosphere about 3.5 billion years ago. As we speak, they are working on providing many ecosystem services to keep our world turning like keeping our soil fertile, and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to fight climate change.

How critical is it to know and understand this environment?

It is critical to understand the local environment, wherever we reside. This is the way we come to have vested interest in the local nature, becoming more eager to protect and be her respectful stewards.

You can think of this “local knowledge” as a sister movement to “buy local produce” and “support local businesses”. I am very happy and proud to work with many organizations, including Qatar Natural History Group, on building up and sharing this knowledge base on local wildlife and ecology.

Finally, our desert environment is even more critical to understand, because it is very fragile and sensitive to disturbance. This is why we always give best practice guidelines for exploration which include: always drive on desert highways, never step on plants and never destroy burrows; keep your distance and marvel animals from afar because they distress in our presence.

Our moto is “pick up your trash, keep nature clean”.

Dr Aspa D. Chatziefthimiou is Talks Coordinator for the Qatar Natural History Group . This article first appeared in the March 2021 QNHG Newsletter. Follow QNHG @qnhg_official

Click here to cancel reply.

Submit Comment

• NEWS & EVENTS

GET IN TOUCH [email protected]

Deserts Explained

Deserts may seem lifeless, but in fact many species have evolved special ways to survive in the harsh environments.

Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Earth Science, Climatology, Geography

Saguro Cactus in Sonoran Desert

Desert plants have adapted to go without fresh water for long stretches of time. The bodies of cacti, like this saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) in the Sonoran Desert, are formed to store and conserve water.

Photograph by Todd Gipstein

Far from being barren wastelands, deserts are biologically rich habitats with a vast array of animals and plants that have adapted to the harsh conditions there. Some deserts are among the planet's last remaining areas of total wilderness. Yet more than one billion people, one-sixth of Earth's population, actually live in desert regions. What Is a Desert? Deserts cover more than one-fifth of Earth's land area, and they are found on every continent. A place that receives less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) of rain per year is considered a desert . Deserts are part of a wider class of regions called drylands. These areas exist under a “moisture deficit,” which means they can frequently lose more moisture through evaporation than they receive from annual precipitation . Despite the common conceptions of deserts as hot, there are cold deserts as well. The largest hot desert in the world, northern Africa's Sahara, reaches temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Farenheit) during the day. But some deserts are always cold, like the Gobi desert in Asia and the polar deserts of the Antarctic and Arctic, which are the world's largest. Others are mountainous. Only about 20 percent of deserts are covered by sand. The driest deserts , such as Chile's Atacama Desert , have parts that receive less than two milimeters (0.08 inches) of precipitation a year. Such environments are so harsh and otherworldly that scientists have even studied them for clues about life on Mars. On the other hand, every few years, an unusually rainy period can produce "super blooms," where even the Atacama becomes blanketed with wildflowers. Desert Animals and Plants Desert animals have evolved ways to help them keep cool and use less water. Camels can go for weeks without water, and their nostrils and eyelashes can form a barrier against sand. Many desert animals, such as the fennec fox ( Vulpes zerda ), are nocturnal, coming out to hunt only when the brutal sun has descended. Some animals, like the desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizzi ) in the southwestern United States, spend much of their time underground. Most desert birds are nomadic, crisscrossing the skies in search of food. And among insects, the Namib desert beetle ( Stenocara gracilipes ) can harvest fog from the air for water. Because of their very special adaptations, desert animals are extremely vulnerable to changes in their habitat. Desert plants may have to go without fresh water for years at a time. Some plants have adapted to the arid climate by growing long roots that tap water from deep underground. Other plants, such as cacti, have special means of storing and conserving water. Deserts , Land Use, and Climate Change Some of the world's semiarid regions are turning into desert at an alarming rate. This process, known as desertification , is not caused by drought, but usually arises from deforestation and the demands of human populations that settle in semiarid lands. The pounding of the soil by the hooves of livestock in ranching, for example, may degrade the soil and augment erosion by wind and water. In northern China, growing urbanization, which left much of the land unprotected against wind erosion and the buildup of sediment from the surrounding desert , created a desertification problem, prompting the government to build a "great green wall" as a hedge against encroaching desert . In existing deserts , some species are in peril because of climate change . Global warming threatens to change the ecology of deserts : Higher temperatures may produce more wildfires that alter desert landscapes by eliminating slow-growing trees and shrubs and replacing them with fast-growing grasses. Many desert plants can live for hundreds of years. But in California, the iconic Joshua tree ( Yucca brevifolia )—the oldest found was 1,000 years old—may not survive a hotter climate, scientists warn. If they don't survive, that could affect species such as the yucca moth ( Tegeticula synthetica ), which lays its eggs inside the Joshua tree flower. Desert bird species could also be in danger from climate change, as heat waves lead to lethal dehydration. Paradoxically, the effort to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by expanding solar energy has also created some tensions for desert habitats. In the Mojave, the 2013 arrival of the Ivanpah solar thermal plant created concerns about how the facility would affect threatened desert tortoises, and conservationists are working to ensure solar energy projects like these can coexist with wildlife. Other land use changes also threaten to degrade desert habitats. The downsizing of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument poses a threat to some of the 660 bee species that live in the area, while the prospect of a border wall between the United States and Mexico could disconnect a third of 346 native wildlife species from 50 percent or more of their range that lies south of the border, including the desert bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis nelsoni ).

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Academic Test Guide

Essay on Desert in English For Students & Children

We are Sharing an Essay on Desert in English for students and children. In this article, we have tried our best to provide a Short Desert Essay for Classes 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 in 100, 200, 300 words.

Deserts are areas where the rainfall is less than 25 cm, The soil over some areas of desert land is rich in minerals where plants grow. Other areas are covered with alkaline soil that prevents plants from growing.

People live in deserts in places called oasis. These are fertile spots where water is available for plants to grow and provide food for animals. In Africa and Asia, oases produce fruit, sugar, cotton. dates and some crops.

Deserts are usually areas of clear, cloudless skies. It is hot in the day and cools at night. Animals and plants that survive in a desert adapt to this environment. Plants here, normally have a short life cycle.

In spite of the difficult conditions, many animals live in the desert. The most commonly known is the camel. Most of the other animals are only active at night and rest during the day in burrows and under rocks. Desert animals are often light coloured to blend with their surroundings and they conserve water by using very little by way of evaporation.

# composition | Paragraph on Desert

Dear viewers, Hope you like this article Essay on Desert in English  and Please let us know by commenting below.

10 lines essay on Himalaya

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Deserts as Ecosystems and Why They Need Protecting

What is a Desert?

Deserts conjure up specific ideas about topography: typically, that they are dry and sandy dunes or rock, or a mixture of both. But deserts are far more than this and there are multiple types. How we define the desert biome are not about the types of rock, or the amount of sand, or even the temperature because there are both cold and hot deserts. The simple explanation is that deserts are topographic landscapes that receive little precipitation in a typical year. The threshold is 10 inches, or 25cm. But more than simply having low rainfall, a desert is “arid”. This means a high rate of water loss through plant reclamation (called transpiration) and through evaporation. These two aspects are combined into something called evapotranspiration. This is the amount of water that the landscape would lose when available (1) . For deserts, evapotranspiration ratio exceeds average annual rainfall by anything from 2:1 to 33:1. The higher the ratio, the less available moisture there is. The coarse nature of the soil means most moisture seeps through the top soil rapidly.

Furthermore, what precipitation a desert does experience is erratic. The average rainfall is just that. A desert may receive far more than the “average” in one year and not experience any rainfall the year before and the year after. Deserts will differ depending on their climate and location and their overall aridity can influence many things, not least of all the ecology, food chain, plant and animal types. High evaporation leaves behind higher salt levels, affecting further which plants can grow and the individual size and the numbers of herbivores that may feed on them and, in turn, carnivores. Some experience vast temperature fluctuations, especially hot deserts which may reach unbearable heat during the day and extreme cold at night (2) . This is because the rock and sand absorb heat during the day and releases it at night. There may also be an extreme variation between warm and cool seasons, including extreme winds and storms due to the mixing of cold and warm air.

Types of Desert

There are four broad types of desert: coastal, cold, hot & dry, and semi-arid.

Coastal Deserts

These are generally hospitable and don't have the extreme temperature fluctuation that other types experience. Life is more abundant here, the soil less acidic, and tend to be arid due to adjacent topography such as mountain ranges or lakes and waterway networks that draw off most of the precipitation that they would otherwise experience (4) . Coastal deserts experience a brief winter of moderate average temperatures of 5�C/41�F for winter while summer typical reaches an average of between a mild 13�C/55�F to warmer 24�C/75�F. The precipitation is lower, and this type of desert is better at retaining what little moisture it harnesses - on average around 5 inches or 13cm annually.

What isn't drawn off by mountains drains away from the porous soil to find its way into waterways a little farther away. An example of the coastal desert is the Namib.

Cold Deserts

Not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about deserts but located in the most extreme latitudes, they fall into two broad types:

• A long way from coastal areas and in a cold zone, receiving low precipitation
• In proximity to mountain ranges which draw away precipitation that might otherwise have created tundra or plains

Its annual precipitation falls as snow which may sometimes remain on the ground until the summer before it melts. If the temperatures don't rise sufficiently, it may remain for over a year. Their winters are extremely cold, typically between -2 and 4C (28.4F to 39.2F). Summer temperatures are pleasant and surprisingly warm, typically on average between 21 and 26C which is between 69 and 79F. Precipitation is relative and although fall and winter receives most of it, it is generally lower than other landscape types and it is insufficient to support too much life - hence why they are considered deserts.

An example of a cold desert is the Gobi (5) . Some feel that Antarctica's interior is a desert due to low precipitation.

Hot & Dry Deserts

What we think of as the “typical” desert, usually indicated with the sand dunes of North Africa and the Middle East, isn't quite as empty, hot or bleak as we might think. While they do have hot summers (43-48C or 110-120F), the annual average is a much cooler 20-25C or 68-77F. Night temperatures are an average 10C or 50F. They also experience cold winters, a season in which the low levels of precipitation usually fall to -18C. Summer night-time temperatures drop considerably which is why the annual averages are so extreme. Surface albedo is high - heat acquired during the day is radiated at night. This type experiences no more than 11” (28cm) of rainfall annually while many experience even less than that. Evidence from The Atacama Desert, for example, suggests that some areas have never experienced precipitation. Their barren appearance is broken by the occasional tree; shade and coverage is rare, and this is where you are most likely to see sand dunes.

The Sahara is a hot and dry desert (6) .

Semi-Arid Deserts

Semi-arid deserts have, by definition, higher levels of precipitation compared to the other three types featured here, although not a great deal more. They are also not limited by temperature. They are milder generally, but they can exist farther to the north, meaning there are colder and warmer types. Daytime and nighttime temperatures are not as extreme, and neither are the divisions between summer and winter. There is some debate over whether they should be considered deserts at all but a type of plain or “steppe”. However, others argue that the other topographical features - of low precipitation (1-2” or 2-4cm annually) and high evapotranspiration leave them firmly in the desert category. Examples of colder semi-arid deserts include the Nearctic zones which incorporate Newfoundland and Greenland. Warmer examples are the Sagebrush of Montana and the Great Basin, and much of Australia's Outback (7) . Summer average temperatures are between 21 and 27C while rarely going above 38C as the hot & dry types of desert often do.

A Brief History of the Use, Study, and Conservation, of Deserts

In antiquity.

Deserts, despite a reputation in some quarters as a barren and useless wasteland or as problems to be solved, have been a way of life for many different peoples. Ancient Egyptian society began along the fertile banks of the River Nile which is buffered on both sides by hot & dry desert (8) which they saw as vital to their culture. Some attribute the arid environment of the Egyptian interior to the development of their complex culture and especially their rituals and cults surrounding death. It is particularly believed that the desiccated nature of bodies as found in the desert dying of exposure or from natural causes provided inspiration for their experiments and developments leading to the mummification process. Certainly, the dry environment of western Egypt where the pyramids are located would have been the perfect environment to prevent the sort of cadaver degradation seen in biomes with higher precipitation and humidity. Similar theories have been expressed about the development of mummification in the South American culture of the Chinchorro who lived in the Atacama Desert, quite possibly the driest desert on the planet (9) .

Even before this, the deserts have provided useful environments for resources and hunter-gathering. Various tribes of Native Americans made their homes in the deserts of North and Central America, as did the Kalahari Bushmen and Australian aborigines. Deserts are ideal for tracking animals and provide enough food in the right volumes to support hunter-gathering communities. It's no wonder we find so much archaeological remains in deserts. Firstly, they were well-used by people of the ancient past and secondly, the lack of humidity increases the chances of survival of organic material. Other cultures quickly adopted semi-nomadic lifestyle and took livestock with them on long journeys across the desert, learning locations of water and living off the animal produce, using animal skins as tents for shelter, and utilizing other parts of the animal such as milk, bones, and meat. Even today, peoples such as the Bedouin still roam the deep deserts of the planet although their lifestyle is more semi-nomadic (10) .

The Age of Exploration to the Modern Age

Successive civilizations harnessed the resources available in deserts for millennia, from mining to harnessing water supplies from springs into irrigation to grow crops, and stone, deserts have generally been seen as a resource. It wasn't until the early Middle Ages and the explorations the likes of Marco Polo that we begin to see wonder and observation in the desert biomes, particularly the Gobi (11) . This was part of the Silk Road, the trade route between the Far East and Europe which was vitally important to the Eastern Roman Empire and the Alexander's Greek Empire before it. By Marco Polo's time, the journey was well-established, but his writing was the first volume. Polo and his father were the first westerners to visit China's modern capital. He was famously appointed to the Chinese Royal Court. Today, Marco Polo is one of the world's most famous early explorers, inspiring the likes of Christoper Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan.

It would take several hundred years and the travels of Charles Montagu Doughty before any more important works were to come; his two-volume book Travels in Arabia's Deserts was published in 1888. He would later prove to be one of the most inspirational early travel writers to the modern age (12) . The work included many observations about deserts and their uses, functions, and the sense of wonder. It is valued as much for its vivid descriptions and beautiful writing as it is for its content. Slightly later Antoine de Saint-Exupéry utilized the new transport of flight to bring a new dynamic to travel over deserts; a plane crash in the Sahara almost killed him but he was found by Bedouins (13) . His travels in the Arabian deserts were extensive, as were those of Gertrude Bell - one of history's most famous female explorers. Yet her work could not hold a candle to the phenomenal work of Freya Stark (14) who published 20 books featuring the deserts of the Middle East. Other important figures in the early 20 th century include naturalist Uwe George who lived in several deserts for part of his life and poet Robert Frost who also explored them.

Eremology: Preservation of Deserts as Ecologies and Cultures

Until the early-mid 20 th century, interests in deserts was one purely of exploration and travel, as highlighted in the previous section. The birth of the science of eremology (the study of the desert biome) began in the mid-20 th century and with the dawning of the understanding of such environmental concepts as human geography, ecology, and, of course, conservation. It had been widely known thanks to various travel volumes that deserts were anything but lifeless wastes. One of the earliest remits of the United Nations was conservation. A growing problem in the 1960s concerning such issues as pollution and public health led to the development of a number of environmental standards and conservation issues for the assembly of world powers. UNESCO now has a chairperson dedicated to Eremology, such is the importance of the preservation of the desert biome for cultural and ecological reasons; as discussed previously, various peoples have lived in deserts for millennia and it remains an important part. This role has been in place since 1994. Today, researchers into the desert biome understand the importance of their conservation for these reasons, but also for biodiversity (15) and the unique biological makeup of such landscapes. Many species that live and thrive in desert environments do not exist in other biomes.

Yet eremology is also the study of how deserts are formed. As well as preserving the deserts that we have, it is also dedicated to ensuring that human activity such as climate change, agricultural practices, intensive resource use and other activity does not create deserts in other landscapes, ecosystems and biomes. The UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) (16) now has a delicate balancing act between preservation and holding back desertification.

The Academic, Functional, and Ecological Importance of Deserts

Deserts as rich archaeological sources.

Some of our greatest archaeological finds have come from desert environments. As with anaerobic conditions of wetlands where organic material is cut off from microbes, such material survives in deserts due to the lack of moisture and bacteria that can eventually break it down. This is the reason for the survival of many pre-dynastic Ancient Egyptian bodies from shallow graves in the desert. Without the low humidity and desiccation, they are unlikely to have survived so well (17, p60) . These bodies predate the mummification process and therefore, no embalming fluid or removal of organs that degrade quickly as seen in the later industrial process of the complex society. The same is true with the mummies of the Chinchorro peoples of the Atacama (a cold desert). What is most remarkable about these mummies is that they predate the Egyptian society by some 2,000 years and they used some of the same techniques at times (9) .

But the archaeology of deserts is about far more than simply the preservation of artefacts and their improved chances of survival. Various archaeological disciplines examine other areas of the desert.

• Desert Phenomenology / Experiential Archaeology : This is an archaeological approach that seeks to understand how people live in the deserts, their life experiences, and how they perceive their local environment(s). It includes their sensory experiences of day-to-day living
• Desert economy : Deserts have always been vital for resources and economy. Sand and stone have been used to build structures where wood is sparse as is the case with Ancient Egypt. But they are also sources of precious metal and gem mining
• Water : Deserts are areas of low precipitation and low humidity which seems in direct conflict to the requirement of water for all living things. It's a great source of examining technologies from the simple to the complex, of acquiring, harnessing, storing and preserving water and its supply. But more than that - what importance (practical or spiritual) do those people place on water?
• Deserts landscape archaeology and human geography : Particularly of the routes crossing deserts and the links between cultures within them, at the borders of deserts, and further afield. The study of routes can include migrations of people, when and how they move, the logistics of movements and regular pathways such as the Silk Road

Water engineering and mechanics are also of interest to archaeologists of desert areas. It's an interesting area of study that shows both human ingenuity and human potential for self-destruction. The irrigation of Mesopotamia during the first civilizations is one of the most remarkable feats of both. In the first instance, filtering water from the Euphrates and the Tigris rivers to the desert interior allowed for the building of enormous cities. The region, despite having lush valleys around and between the rivers, had much lower precipitation than Egypt which relied on annual Nile flooding (18) . Yet the irrigation that allowed for the civilization to develop was also its downfall as over-irrigation led to consistent crop failure as water evaporated, leaving behind salts that would eventually saturate the land (19) .

Desert Ecology and Biodiversity

The reputation of deserts as cold and lifeless is unfounded and it has arguably led to desert biomes being ignored in research literature compared to others (20) . Many certainly seem bereft of life, certainly during the day in summer in hot deserts when temperatures are potentially scorching, and winter in some cold deserts where subzero temperatures make life difficult. However, they are abundant with both flora and fauna. What is so great about deserts as biomes, is their unique biological profile. Species exist in these environments that simply do not appear elsewhere. The Mojave Desert is a case in point; it's one of the harshest environments on the planet with a humidity level that rarely goes higher than 40%, yet it maintains abundant biodiversity throughout the seemingly barren topography (21) . All species have adapted to live in this harsh environment and many are protected because of their geographical limitations and delicate ecological requirements of coping with the high temperatures and dry environment.

Typical botany include succulents such as cacti which do not have leaves like other species, but spines to protect the fleshy body of chloroplasts adapted to store water, and shallow roots to quickly absorb the little moisture that makes it into the topsoil before evaporating away or soaking through. Similar specialization is also true of fauna which have high water retention, do not have the capability to perspire, and tend to be cold-blooded and small. Larger animals and mammals are rare although this is not always the case.

• Kangaroos, for example, which live in the hot desert climate of Australia are warm-blooded mammals and must find shelter during the hottest part of the day to avoid overheating. They have, however, developed a great defense mechanism against extreme heat in that they lick their bodies and the saliva cools the blood (22)
• Camels survive well in deserts because of their high water retention and survive quite happily in temperatures up to 48C / 120F.

These are two rare examples of both warm-blooded and larger animals that live in hot desert environments.

But what about cold deserts? They have received less attention than their hotter or semi-arid counterparts. We do understand that as they are in the extreme latitudes, that means most cold deserts tend to experience periods (months) of continual dark in the winter and periods of continual sunshine in the summer. This too has an impact on local biodiversity. Like their hotter counterparts, plants must be drought resistant. But succulents do not survive in these environments because of the cold. The most common type of plant in cold deserts are grasses and they form in clumps on rocks and in areas where the little moisture is most abundant. Shrubs occur in some places and the types of plant you might see on scrubland, but this is rare. Trees are also rare with only a handful of species such as the camel thorn acacia in the Gobi (23) and the pistachio tree which grows in the cold deserts of Iran.

Animals in cold deserts are warm-blooded and larger than their hot desert counterparts. Typical examples include types of deer and antelope present in most cold deserts, sheep and goats likewise, and in South America llamas and alpacas. As far as carnivores are concerned, this is the realm of the wolf, the snow leopard, and jackals, depending on where in the world the desert is located. Small mammals are much more abundant and cold blooded reptiles are less abundant. In fact, scorpions appear in just one cold desert - the Iranian Desert.

Deserts as Climate Indicators

Desert is one biome type that researchers and conservationists do not want to expand all the while ensuring that the deserts we presently have do not disappear. The major reason for this is that desert is of low agricultural quality, low biodiversity, and an extreme environment. Climate change presents a risk of desertification of present marginal landscapes. We know this occurs from paleoenvironmental data (24) . Many of our deserts contain the remnants of ancient lakes, indicated by former water channels and preserved biotic and abiotic materials indicative of previous presence of water. As deserts are the most extreme environments on the planet, they are prone to the most change. Radiation is intense - both in terms of how much deserts receive and how much they reflect back into the environment. The expansion of desert can directly impact global average temperatures further, increasing water evaporation in adjacent areas. Even though the plant and animal species that exist in hot deserts are well-adapted to those environments, we know from studies that such organisms are treading a fine line over environmental tolerance; some are even at their limits, according to the IPCC (25) .

Both The Sahara and The Namib are extremely hot deserts and in recent years have experienced some of the hottest temperatures to date. Pakistan and Iran have also experienced record dry spells and high temperatures in the last decade. Even semi-arid desert climates are experiencing an increase in hot and dry spells, becoming more parched and experiencing wildfires in areas where scrub, brush and tree cover is more abundant. California, for example, has always experienced summer wildfires but the season for the fires is getting longer with the increased drought the state is experiencing. Continued drought, lowering precipitation and a dropping of the water table means plants cannot grow as abundantly. This creates a high risk of expanding desertification. The risks are highest in the 50�S-50�N range which is the latitudes within which the hottest and driest desert climates presently are (26) . Evidence demonstrates that the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula alone show increased water vapor feedback, much higher sensitivity, and increased sensitivity in deserts to greenhouse gas emissions. Simply, deserts become hotter and drier during a warming climate with wider implications for the warming climate. That makes this type of biome one of the most useful types for understanding and tracking climate change now and for the future.

Desert Resources

As well as biodiversity and their cultural significance, deserts are also useful economically due to their unique geological profiles or their environmental formation processes. The desert biome is one of the most important. There are 15 mineral deposit types on our planet and 13 of them are found in deserts. This makes the desert an important place for mineral resources and for local and global economy. The reason this is the case is how water leaches through the ground or through evaporation so quickly that mineral deposits are left behind. We discussed the problem with irrigation in Mesopotamia in the archaeology section where increased salt deposits made agriculture more difficult. This is a similar but natural process and it leads to the formation of large metal deposits in particular. Typical mineral resources found in desert regions (both hot and cold) include salt and borates, and gypsum. Borates occurred in high density in the Great Basin Desert here in the US. From there, borate was taken to Death Valley to the emerging railroads and all over the country (27) . This special kind of salt is used to manufacture glass, enamel and other ceramics, and in the pharmaceutical and agrichemical industries. All of it was mined from the dried beds of paleolakes that once existed in the region. It is estimated that the value to the US economy of borates alone has topped $1 billion. The US deserts are also home to copper.

Salts have also proven a great resource for the Chilean economy although today its lithium resources have also taken prominence on the world stage as battery development increases for better power storage and production in the new generation of electric cars (28) . No other desert has as much abundant salt as this desert. It is estimated that during the First World War alone, some 3 million metric tons were mined. Like the US deserts, copper is present in Chile. Australia's deserts are a source of lead and zinc, uranium, gold and silver. As far as non-metal resources are concerned, deserts are also home to clay, beryllium, pumice (where there was past volcanic activity), nitrates and lithium. It is also no great surprise that some of our most abundant oil deposits are found in desert regions, particularly the Middle East, central and South America, in the driest places on Earth. These were once marine environments, but the lakes and seas dried up, allowing for the chemical processes that turn organic material into crude oil to create enormous deposits. Oil is not unique to dry environments though and the most important process is the presence of organic material and the right chemical conditions.

Deserts as a Way of Life

There is some debate whether the Bedouin tribes of the Middle East are true nomads in the traditional sense. They certainly perceive their lifestyle in this way although technically they live a semi-nomadic life. In summer, they settle on lands bordering deserts where agriculture is possible and food crops for livestock is abundant. They tend to move around a lot more in the fall and winter time during the rainy season (29) . There are different groups of Bedouin tribe who name and classify themselves based on the types of livestock and animals that they rear. For example, there are camel Bedouins which comprise the largest tribes and are distributed over the widest areas of the Middle East, incorporating most of the Levant (Jordan, Syria, Iraq) the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa including Egypt, Libya and Sudan.

Much of their lifestyle is unchanged since the Bedouins first roamed the lands although not completely. They have adapted to many aspects of modern life including motor vehicles to move around where possible. Just as the technologies of Bedouin tribes have changed, so have the concept of a home which can be a tent, a stone building or even the desert land (30) . They are ethnically Arab, and most are now Muslim. Relationships between other ethnic Arabs and Bedouins has always been mixed. They have sometimes suffered horrifically at the hands of national governments while some Arab people perceive the Bedouin as “pure” or romantic much in the same way that other countries romanticize other lost traditions such as the Roma travelers of Eastern Europe or the Amazonian “lost” tribes who have only had limited contact with the outside world. At the end of the 20 th century, less than 1% of the population in countries where Bedouins still roam maintain that lifestyle.

The Bedouin are not the only nomadic or semi-nomadic life. The Marsh Arabs so brutally oppressed by Saddam Hussein in the early 1990s were semi-nomadic, as are some elements of the Kurdish peoples of southeastern Turkey. Some aspects of Mongolian life in the Gobi Desert, and the Sami people of northern Scandinavia and the arctic islands such as Svalbard continue in their semi-nomadic traditions. Like their counterparts to the south, they too are increasingly moving to permanent settlement.

Desert Topographical Functions

Deserts are vital in many ways ecologically. Firstly, they are home to 17% of the human population who have adapted or adapted to the various desert biomes. Water is vital to life and although they lack this necessary resource, their unique ecosystems provide survival and resources for the plant and animal species that live there (31) . Deserts carry out vital planetary environmental functions too. Most of these species have adapted to the uniquely harsh environments of both hot and cold deserts and everything in between. Often, these species do not exist in other types of environment. For that reason alone, it's necessary to conserve desert spaces and to avoid encroaching on them unnecessarily or altering them for other purposes. They are home to various livestock such as camels, goats, and antelope that provide food and livelihood for people. Desert shrubs and trees that produce fruit such as dates, figs, and olives (32) , are important food crops globally.

Many are not aware that deserts are a net carbon sink, providing some relief from the increase in greenhouse gases. This will be problematic while carbon emissions continue to increase, and world governments will need to do something about it in the future. The discovery was made when researching bacteria in the desert. Research suggests that bacteria located in massive aquifers beneath the sand and in the sands itself, are capturing carbon from the air. In theory, the aquifers could hold more than the entire global population of plant material at present at 20 billion metric tons (or 22 billion imperial/US tons) (33) .

Finally, deserts, due to their location, are important sources of generating renewable energy . It is no coincidence that the world's solar arrays are located in the hottest places on the planet. Smaller solar panels convert light into energy, but the large arrays in the deserts work differently. They harness the heat and use mirrors to reflect and divert into the array, to generate much more energy per square foot. Deserts are also useful sources of wind power. There are always desert winds, but at certain times of the year wind is much higher which can also generate energy (34) .

Leisure and Tourism

Deserts attract millions of visitors every year. From the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa where visitors may see the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, to Jordan's city of Petra, Carthage and others, they are great places to see well-preserved archaeological ruins of the past. Here in the USA, there are plenty of other examples of ancient cultures in the desert. The Chaco culture, Pueblo peoples such as the Anasazi and Hohokum lived in the deserts of modern New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. The Anasazi houses at Mesa Verde is incredible site, as is the Casa Grande monument in Arizona, built by the Hohokum Culture. In South America there are many sites and artefacts recovered from the Atacama. In short, people have settled deserts for hundreds of thousands of years and the dry nature makes such remains attractive to visitors (35) .

Not that culture and history is the limit of desert leisure and tourism. Some visit to see natural wonders such as Grand Canyon in Arizona, the great salt plains of the Atacama Desert or take a 4x4 vehicle or a hot air balloon ride across the sand dunes of the Arabian deserts. The semi-arid Monegros Desert in northeastern Spain plays host to an annual music festival called Monegros Desert Festival while the cold and arid landscapes of Greenland and Iceland draw visitors from all over the globe. The wide-open spaces of deserts can host great numbers of people without putting too much of a strain on local infrastructure. Despite the strain that tourism can put on these delicate ecosystems, they are providing much-needed money and jobs to areas. Ecotourism is helping developing nations especially find ways of preserving those landscapes (36) when historically, deserts have been neglected both in the conservation debate, and the funding and planning.

Seven Continents: Seven Deserts

Africa: namib (coastal).

Geological data suggests that at 43 million years, the Namib Desert in southwestern Africa is the world's oldest desert, but by no means its largest (that would be the Sahara). Most remarkably, nothing has changed there for some 2 million years, surviving multiple Ice Ages (37) . It consists almost entirely of sand dunes and gravel plains and is one of the most inhospitable places in the world and it runs right up to the South Atlantic coast. It takes up almost half the surface area of Namibia. It's long history and dry environment makes it a perfect searching ground for archaeologists and anthropologists; it's home to some of the oldest cave art in the world, preserved almost perfectly due to the desiccated conditions. Twyfelfontein is overshadowed by Brandberg for cave art, but the richness and diversity attract tourists and researchers alike (38) . It's hardly surprising that people settled here; Twyfelfontein contains one of the deserts few natural springs. The Namib Desert contains several national parks and reserves which home several species of zebra, jackals, and hyena. These warm-blooded mammals are in a precarious position due to the heat and dryness of the environment. Yet not all the Namib is desert. While the north is dry and sandy, the south is more like a semi-arid region with succulents, and the central region is full of gravel and gypsum plains.

Antarctica (Cold)

The world's last continent is subject to international treaties that no single country can claim it. Yet most developed nations have scientific settlements on the cold, dry and mostly inhospitable land (38) . What little life there is clings to the boundaries of where the land meets the sea and a few rocky outcrops. This includes penguins, albatrosses, seals, some species of gull and tern, and many types of insect . The interior is a different matter entirely. Covered in year-round snow and ice which is, in places, nearly 2km thick (1.2 miles) it is surprisingly one of the driest places on Earth. There is little precipitation and the snow and ice present has built up over hundreds of thousands of years. Rather than four seasons, it has just two: summer where it is always sunny where the sun never sets, and winter where it is always dark and the sun never rises. It's at the pole, so experiences the most extreme conditions of the planet. This especially means the temperatures. In 1983, the Russian Vostok Station recorded the coldest ever temperature on planet Earth at -89.2 �C (which is -129�F). In 2010, satellite data appeared to suggest a lower temperature than this was recorded but it was never confirmed or backed up by other data (39) .

Asia: Gobi (Cold)

Straddling China and Mongolia, the Gobi Desert is Asia's largest. There are steppe and mountains to the north, more desert to the west, plateau and plain to the south. Its fame lies in the being the center of the Mongolian Empire which conquered much of Asia and into Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages. It's creation as a desert is largely one of unfortunate topography; it's formed by something called “rain shadow” (40) . The plateau and plains to the south draw off moisture from that direction. The Indian Ocean is a hotbed of rainwater during monsoon season but the Gobi sees none of it. It is a cold desert, but it is largely sandy. This creates a striking and unusual sight during the coldest periods of frost-covered sand dunes. It experiences most of its moisture in the winter which arrives in the form of snow run off. Its summer is hot: hotter than most other cold deserts with temperatures reaching up to 37C (or 99F) while the coldest temperatures recorded are around -32C (-27F).

The Gobi is useful for archaeologists as with any desert, but it's also been one of the richest sources of fossil findings for paleontology including the first evidence of dinosaur eggs (41) . It's home to many modern protected species including snow leopards, wolves, multiple species of camel, gazelles, and polecats amongst others. The Gobi is home to some of the world's largest copper mines, some of which have been steeped in controversy. There are few better examples of the ecological dangers of desertification in the 21 st century. Its continued expansion has been put down to increased carbon emissions, agricultural activity and deforestation. The Gobi formed naturally, but it is humanity fueling its expansion (42) .

Australasia: Gibson Desert (Semi-Arid)

Not the largest of Australia's deserts (that's Great Victoria Desert), Gibson Desert is considered one of the most interesting because it is largely pristine (43) . It's amongst the purest deserts in the world. The semi-arid landscape is located between a giant lake of salt (Lake Disappointment) and two other deserts (Great Victoria and Little Sandy). It's largely a gravel bedrock base and the most abundant plant is grass, typical of semi-arid deserts. The red sandy plains of the desert are often held up as the typical topography of the Australian Outback although in reality, the interior of Australia is a mix of desert types. Several other notable facts about the Gibson Desert include the belief that it was the home to the last indigenous tribe to make contact with western civilization (the Pintupi). During a drought in the 1980s, they left their desert home to search for help. Increasing urbanization and urban landscape infrastructure on the border with neighboring deserts means its of conservation interest to prevent habitat loss of many species that call the Gibson home.

In 2015, researchers were surprised to find an extensive oasis in which was a new type of snail that has made a home there (44) . Deserts, like other biomes, continue to remain a source of the discovery of new species as well as presenting new problems for conservation and ecology in balancing out increased desertification against the preservation of existing deserts.

Europe: Tabernas (Semi-Arid)

Spain is home to several deserts, most of them semi-arid as Europe's climate is simply not hot enough for the kind of hot and dry deserts seen in North Africa and the Middle East. Covering 200sqkm, the Tabernas has slightly higher rainfall and cooler temperatures than its neighbors and most typical semi-arid deserts but it maintains the criteria that determines what is and is not a desert. What little precipitation it receives usually falls in the form of torrential rains. Its interesting climate does not end there; the Tabernas is a microcosm of several types of desert in such a small area. Some of the areas of the southern lowlands are hot desert, the bulk of it is semi-arid, but the highest uplands to the north have signs of cold desert (45) .

This precipitation means it has more abundant biological life than most other deserts. It's a haven for species such as sea lavender which are threatened in other parts of Spain but thriving in the Tabernas. In winter, toadflax flowers, creating a vivid white appearance to the desert. Animal species include the peregrine falcon which is an internationally protected bird of prey, jackdaws (a common type of corvid - related to crows - seen across Europe), ladder snakes, and North African hedgehogs. Yellow scorpions, tarantulas and a spider called Black Widow which is related to the deadlier spider of the same name make up the arachnids.

North America: Mojave (Hot)

Like the Gobi in Asia, the Mojave was also created and is maintained by rain shadow meteorology . The phenomenon has created the driest environment in the North American continent and straddles the states of Nevada and California, while edging across the Utah and Arizona borders too. Of all the deserts on the continent, the Mojave is the smallest; winter temperatures are comfortable (25C/80F) in the valleys and much colder on the mountains. They rise quickly through the spring and summer, rarely falling below 32C/90F, sometimes topping 38C/100F in the highest part of the summer season (46) . Its most associated with the Joshua Tree; the desert's border is said to end where the Joshua is no loner present. This is the desert on which Las Vegas is located, bordered by the Great Basin Desert and the Tehachapi Mountains. Geologically, it is simple to trace these borders because both the Garlock and San Andreas Faults have created the mountain ranges that enclose it to the west and south - the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.

Economically, the Mojave is the most important desert tourist destination in the US due to the presence of Las Vegas to the east and organized tourism into the desert's interior. This generates money for the local economy and especially for conservation issues in the State Parks, National Parks and National Preserves that have been established within its boundaries. Finally, the Hoover Dam is within its boundaries, preserving water for the settlements in the Mojave and providing hydroelectric power although this has not been without controversy or damage to the ecosystem (47) .

South America: Atacama (Cold)

We have already described Atacama as potentially the driest place on Earth. This is not a title granted lightly. Its precipitation is so negligible that it's considered virtually zero. It's possible that parts of the Atacama Desert have never experienced rain. Its age is likely to exceed 200 million years. If this is true, then it is far older than the Namib which has a confirmed 43-million-year history. Some of the weather monitoring stations which have been in place for decades have certainly never registered rainfall. Elsewhere in the desert, the average annual rainfall is about 15mm (about half an inch) while some areas experience around 1mm. The highest peaks have year-round snow cover which may have been there for decades having fallen and never melted away. Medium height mountains have no glaciation even in the coldest months of the year. Due to its aridity and alien environment, the Atacama has been used as location filming for recent Hollywood productions set on Mars.

It is home, perhaps surprisingly, to some striking flora and fauna that make use of the limited moisture available. The most arid areas - those that may never have experienced rate - are unable to support many forms of life, although a study showed some microbial life in those areas (48) . Thyme and saltgrass are abundant in some areas, the pimiento tree, and some succulents. In those areas where rainfall does occur, flowering seasons are short and colorful, presenting the notion that the desert is lusher than it appears. There are few lizards or amphibians, and the wettest areas on the Pacific Coast are home to humboldt penguins, flamingoes, while the limited mammals include chinchilla and American grey foxes.

Future Challenges for Deserts and Ecological Researchers

Loss of desert through increased precipitation.

As more rain falls, as more moisture is retained from meltwater run off, more water passes through any rivers and lakes that might form seasonally in these deserts, this will change the environment over time. Far from being a good thing, it puts the biome at risk, changing it from a desert into something else. The biodiversity is at risk and potentially threatened species could die out in those areas or become extinct; this is a particular concern for species that exist in just one desert on the planet. An example of this is the increased rates of desert songbirds in the US experiencing dehydration (49) . Such birds , because they are warm blooded and because they fly at elevations to which warm air rises (plus a lack of suitable shade), are far more susceptible to dehydration and as the climate gets hotter, some deserts are getting drier. This is a risk for all desert-dwelling warm-blooded creatures, but especially birds.

Increased Desertification of other Biomes

the encroachment of existing desert into nearby grasslands and forest as those environments because hotter and drier, and partly through direct interference by humans for deforestation and encroachment of agricultural land for both crops and for grazing land. Roots of such plants bind soil together; it's critical at the best of times but when it comes to marginal landscapes (areas prone to flooding, drought, mineral leaching and subject to even minor fluctuations in weather patterns) the situation is even more precarious and more care needs to be taken to prevent desertification. When those root systems are removed, the quality of the soil decreases. It becomes difficult for native species to continue to thrive and desertification risk increases. A good example of this is The Dust Bowl when the great plains of the central states of the US were hit by overintense agriculture and natural drought at the same time (50)

Politics of Conservation

Bison and buffalo numbers in North and Central America were in a precarious situation a century ago, but recent conservation efforts are seeing their numbers increase. Yet belief in the restoration of bison to certain environments has not met with universal approval. Sometimes, local politics gets in the way. This is certainly the case with the northern end of the Chihuahua Desert where efforts to re-introduce bison along the US-Mexico border has met with hostility. Documentary evidence from pre-Columbian peoples in what is modern Mexico suggests that bison were common along the borders of the desert and the grasslands to the north. But this is not confirmed; nor is it accepted on all sides where the validity of ranching is being challenged in Mexico and the US (51) .

Balancing Sustainability Against Conservation

Deserts have always been centers of mining activity. As discussed above, they naturally develop oil and precious metals and gem resources through their unique geology . This industrial mining and prospecting can have multiple negative effects on the surrounding desert which present multiple sustainability challenges . If oil spills, it is an ecological disaster that could cause long-term or even permanent damage to the landscape. Even when safety is observed 100% and in sites where there has never been such an ecological disaster, the infrastructure of the mine can create problems. Human settlements at the site will include roads to get to and from the mine, carbon emissions from the vehicles, roads causing environmental degradation (52) . These are all problems that need to be addressed when planning and building a mine. If it is placed in an area where there are threatened species, this too can create problems for those species. In the Sahara, potassium-cyanide poisoning is an ongoing problem around the gold mines (53) .

• https://www.desertusa.com/desert.html
• https://sciencing.com/weather-patterns-deserts-23034.html
• http://assets.cambridge.org/97805211/00489/frontmatter/9780521100489_frontmatter.pdf
• https://www.com/uk/earth/deserts/coastal-deserts/
• https://www.com/uk/earth/deserts/hot-deserts/
• https://sciencing.com/semiarid-climate-10009421.html
• https://sciencing.com/importance-eastern-desert-ancient-egypt-12519.html
• https://www.archaeology.org/issues/54-1211/from-the-trenches/222-from-the-trenches-the-desert-and-the-dead
• https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/road-marco-polo-crossing-deserts-china
• https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portraitExtended/mw01917/Charles-Montagu-Doughty
• https://www.biography.com/people/antoine-de-saint-exupery-030816
• http://www.fembio.org/english/biography.php/woman/biography/freya-stark/
• https://www.worldwildlife.org/habitats/deserts
• https://www.unccd.int/
• https://www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/departments/human-remains
• http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Hy-La/Irrigation-Systems-Ancient.html
• http://science.sciencemag.org/content/336/6087/1379
• https://sciencestruck.com/mojave-desert-animals-plants
• https://asknature.org/strategy/foreleg-licking-cools-skin-2/#.W-rW5OKnzIU
• https://sciencing.com/cold-desert-plants-animals-5263593.html
• https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4020-5719-9_25
• https://www.nature.com/articles/srep31065
• https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/deserts/minerals/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214790X17300175
• http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat52/sub331/item1988.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943367/
• https://sciencing.com/why-are-deserts-important-12322785.html
• https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=189
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150728110539.htm
• http://greatecology.com/charisma-arid-beauty/
• https://www.nps.gov/cagr/index.htm
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211973615000768
• https://namibian.org/lodges/sossusvlei/
• https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-antarctica-k4.html
• https://www.universetoday.com/27064/what-is-the-largest-desert-on-earth/
• https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/rain-shadow/
• https://www.amnh.org/shelf-life/gobi-the-next-generation
• https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/94GL00879
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Gibson-Desert
• https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/media-releases/49fcd142-4986-4b11-b13d-455c9ef67797/files/mr-bush-blitz-kiwirrkurra-290915.pdf
• http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/web/ContenidosOrdenacion/red_informacion_ambiental/PDF/Geodiversidad/Geology_of_the_arid_zone_of_Almeria/The_Tabernas_Basin.pdf
• https://sciencing.com/climate-mojave-4033.html
• https://defenders.org/mojave/basic-facts
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/weird-life-found-earth-driest-soil-atacama-desert-mars-science
• http://www.pnas.org/content/114/9/2283
• https://education.seattlepi.com/ecological-problems-hazards-face-desert-4809.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18173472
• https://defenders.org/desert/threats
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15369321
• Recent Posts
• Guide to Parasitology - November 19, 2018
• Deserts as Ecosystems and Why They Need Protecting - November 19, 2018
• Conservation: History and Future - September 14, 2018

Related Articles

Entomology 101: Study of Insects

History of the Study of Climate Change in Field of Environmental Science

Renewable Energy: All You Need to Know

Invasive Species: How They Affect the Environment

Featured Article

Chronology: Tools and Methods for Dating Historical and Ancient Deposits, Inclusions, and Remains

Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Paragraph On Desert: A Fascinating World Of Extreme Conditions And Adaptations

Paragraph On Desert: Deserts are fascinating, unique, and challenging ecosystems that cover approximately one-third of the earth’s surface. Despite their harsh conditions, deserts are home to a diverse range of plants and animals that have adapted to survive in such a challenging environment. In this article, we will take a journey through the world’s harshest landscape and discover the secrets of the desert.

Paragraph On Desert

In this blog Paragraph On Desert, we include Paragraph On Desert, in 100, 200, 250, and 300 words. Also, cover the Paragraph On Desert belonging to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and up to the 12th class and also for kids, children, and students.

You can read more  Essay writing in 10 lines, and about sports, events, occasions, festivals, etc… Paragraph On Desert is also available in different languages. In Paragraph On Desert, the following features are explained in the given manner.

Characteristics Of The Desert

Deserts are defined by their extreme climate, with high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night. The lack of water is another defining feature of the desert, with most deserts receiving less than ten inches of rainfall per year. The topography of the desert can vary from flat and sandy to rocky and mountainous. Despite the harsh conditions, deserts are home to a surprising variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh environment.

Types Of Deserts

There are four main types of deserts: hot and dry, semi-arid, coastal, and cold. Hot and dry deserts are characterized by extremely high temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night. They are also known for their sand dunes, which can reach over 300 meters in height.

Semi-arid deserts have slightly more precipitation than hot and dry deserts, and are home to a variety of plant species. Coastal deserts are found along the coasts of continents and are characterized by their moderate temperatures and foggy conditions. Cold deserts are found in high altitudes and are characterized by their cold temperatures and harsh conditions.

Desert Adaptations

Plants and animals that live in the desert have developed unique adaptations to survive in the harsh conditions. Animals such as camels have developed the ability to store water in their humps, while other animals such as the kangaroo rat can survive without drinking water at all. Desert plants such as cacti have evolved thick stems and spines to reduce water loss, while other plants such as the creosote bush have adapted to the desert’s high temperatures by producing a waxy coating on their leaves to reduce water loss.

Unique Features Of Deserts

Deserts are home to unique geological formations such as sand dunes, oasis, canyons, and rock formations. Sand dunes are formed by wind and are constantly shifting and changing shape. Oasis are areas in the desert where water is available, and are often surrounded by lush vegetation. Canyons are formed by erosion and are often home to a variety of wildlife. Rock formations in the desert can take on unique shapes and colors due to the extreme weathering and erosion caused by the harsh environment.

Challenges Faced By The Desert

Deserts are facing a number of challenges, including water scarcity, climate change, and human impact. The lack of water in the desert is a significant challenge, and many areas are experiencing water shortages as a result of climate change and human activity. Climate change is also causing temperatures in the desert to rise, which can have a devastating impact on desert ecosystems. Human activities such as mining, oil drilling, and urbanization are also threatening the delicate balance of desert ecosystems.

The Future Of Deserts

Despite the challenges facing deserts, there are a number of conservation efforts underway to preserve these unique ecosystems. Sustainable development and advancements in technology are also helping to mitigate some of the challenges facing deserts. For example, desalination technology is being used to provide fresh water in areas where water is scarce. In addition, sustainable tourism is providing economic opportunities for local communities while also promoting conservation efforts.

Deserts are fascinating and complex ecosystems that are home to a diverse range of plants and animals that have adapted to survive in the harsh conditions. Despite the challenges facing deserts, there are a number of conservation efforts underway to preserve these unique ecosystems. It is important that we recognize the importance of preserving the desert and take steps to mitigate the challenges they face.

FAQ’s On Paragraph On Desert

Question 1. What is the desert class 7 paragraph?

Answer: Deserts are hot and dry regions that receive very little rainfall, and are characterized by sand dunes, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation. The desert ecosystem is fragile and can be easily disturbed by human activity. Many desert plants and animals have adapted to the harsh conditions and developed unique survival mechanisms. Deserts are home to several indigenous communities who have developed their own cultures and traditions based on the environment.

Question 2. How do you describe a desert?

Answer: A desert is a barren, arid land characterized by extreme temperatures, scarce precipitation, and a sparse vegetation cover. It is usually comprised of sand dunes, rocky terrain, and gravel plains. Deserts are often inhospitable places with limited resources, but are also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna that have adapted to the harsh conditions.

Question 3. What is desert class 8?

Answer: In class 8, students learn about deserts as part of their Geography curriculum. They study the physical characteristics, climate, and vegetation of different types of deserts around the world, such as hot and cold deserts. They also learn about the unique adaptations of plants and animals in desert ecosystems, and the challenges faced by the indigenous communities who live in these harsh environments. Additionally, students explore the impact of human activity on desert ecosystems, including the effects of desertification and the need for conservation efforts.

Question 4. What is desert for Class 2?

Answer: For a Class 2 student, a desert can be described as a very hot and dry place where there is very little water and few plants and animals. They might learn about the sandy and rocky terrain of deserts, as well as the different types of animals that live there, such as camels and snakes. Simple concepts like the importance of conserving water and the need to protect desert habitats can also be introduced at this level.

Question 5. What is desert short summary?

Answer: A desert is a dry and barren region with little rainfall and extreme temperatures. It is usually characterized by sandy or rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and unique adaptations of plants and animals. Deserts are found all over the world and pose significant challenges for human habitation and conservation.

Read More Essays:

• Rabindranath Tagore Paragraph
• A Clear Night Sky Paragraph
• Cow Paragraph
• Durga Puja Paragraph
• Paragraph Say No To Plastic Bags Essay
• Swami Vivekananda Paragraph
• Paragraph On Teachers Day
• My House Paragraph
• Peacock Paragraph
• An Indian Farmer Paragraph

• Paragraph Writing
• Paragraph On Desert

Paragraph on Desert - Check Samples for 100, 150, 200, 250 Word Limits

The desert is the driest area on the planet. It has very little water and is a difficult place for organisms to survive. The moment we hear the word ‘desert’, the first thing that comes to our mind is sand and camels. Camels are majorly found in sandy areas or deserts because they are blessed with such a body structure that can resist heat for long periods of time without water and food. This article has sample paragraphs on deserts you can refer to. Check them out.

Table of Contents

Paragraph on desert in 100 words, paragraph on desert in 150 words, paragraph on desert in 200 words, paragraph on desert in 250 words, frequently asked questions on desert paragraph.

A desert is a large area of land which is covered by sand. It has very little water, and only a few plants grow in the area. When we think of deserts, the first thing that comes to our minds is vast areas of sand. Almost all the deserts are covered with sand. Deserts are hot and dry areas where rainfall occurs very rarely. Since there are fewer trees, the rainfall is also less. Therefore, there is always a scarcity of water in the deserts. It is a place where the evaporation of water is more than the amount of rain it receives. People residing in such areas used to travel very long distances to fetch water.

A desert is a large area of sand. Deserts are dry and hot areas which receive very less rainfall throughout the year. Deserts are places which have very few plants and trees. Due to fewer trees, the amount of rainfall is also very less. Due to the unfavourable conditions, no agriculture is possible in the deserts. The world’s largest polar desert is Antarctica, and the largest non-polar desert is Sahara. Deserts are places where evaporation is more than the amount of rainfall. Therefore, the scarcity of water is always a matter to be worried about. There are small places of water called oases which are covered with a few trees around them. Oases are formed from underground rivers. Not many animals are found in deserts. Camels are known as the ship of the deserts because they are the only means of transportation to go from one place to another in a desert.

A desert is a vast area of dry, barren land. Deserts are either hot or cold environments with relatively little rainfall throughout the year. Deserts are characterised by a lack of vegetation and trees. Plants like cactuses and shrubs that are thorny and woody are found in the deserts. Because there are fewer trees, the amount of rainfall is likewise reduced. Agriculture is not possible in the deserts due to harsh circumstances. Antarctica is the world’s largest polar desert, while the Sahara is the world’s largest non-polar desert. Deserts are areas where the amount of evaporation exceeds the amount of rainfall. As a result, water scarcity is constantly an issue to be concerned about. People of the deserts used to travel long distances to fetch water, but with time and civilization, water is now being supplied to the houses. There are small pools of water known as oases, which are surrounded by a few trees. Underground rivers give rise to oases. Camels are known as the “ship of the deserts” because they can live and roam in deserts for long periods of time without water or food. Camels are blessed with a hump on their backs which stores food and water that can be used when needed.

A desert is a vast, dry area characterised by sand or rocks that receives little rainfall. It has adverse growing conditions for crops and agriculture and poses difficult living conditions for human beings and animals. Deserts cover one-third of the Earth’s land surface. Antarctica is known as the world’s largest polar desert. The Sahara Desert is the world’s biggest non-polar desert. Deserts are those land areas where life is difficult. These areas receive less rainfall as compared to the amount of evaporation. Plants like cactuses, shrubs, and thorny or woody plants are found in the deserts. The scarcity of water is a major concern in these areas. People used to travel long distances for water, but with time, this has changed, and water is being supplied to people. Due to unfavourable conditions, agriculture is not possible in the deserts. Camels can ingest the bitter or salty water available in the waterholes. Around the water sources in deserts, there are small places of water called oases which are formed from underground river water. Camels are known as the “ship of the deserts” because they can live and roam in deserts for long periods of time without water or food. They are mostly the only mode of transportation in the deserts. Camels are blessed with a hump on their backs which can store food and water that can be used when needed.

Which is the largest desert in the world?

The largest polar desert in the world is Antarctica, and the largest non-polar desert is the Sahara desert.

What kind of plants are found in the deserts?

Cactuses, shrubs, and thorny or woody plants are mostly found in deserts.

How do camels survive in the desert?

Camels survive in the desert because they are blessed with a hump on their backs which can store water and food in the form of fat for a long period of time.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life’s Dance in the Desert Biome

An illuminating essay delving into the captivating world of the desert biome, a landscape often misunderstood as barren and lifeless. Explore the paradoxical beauty of arid terrains, where life has not only adapted but thrived with ingenious resilience. From the sculpted succulents like cacti and agaves to the nocturnal choreography of desert creatures, the essay unfolds the intricate dance of survival in the harsh desert environment. Geology becomes artistry as wind and water carve mesmerizing landscapes, revealing the Earth’s bones beneath shifting sands. The narrative extends beyond flora and fauna to the delicate balance of oasis environments and the historical nomadic wisdom interwoven with modern civilizations. As humanity grapples with the challenges of coexistence and preservation, the essay paints a vivid portrait of the desert biome as a realm where life, hidden and resilient, defies the arid odds. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Nature.

How it works

The desert biome, a realm of enchanting desolation, unveils a paradoxical tapestry of life amidst apparent barrenness. Stretching across vast expanses, deserts cloak the Earth’s surface in arid mystique, challenging conventional notions with their dynamic ecosystems. These seemingly inhospitable terrains, notorious for scant precipitation and temperature extremes, conceal a world of ingenious adaptations and breathtaking resilience.

Within the desolate landscapes, flora and fauna have choreographed a mesmerizing dance of survival. Succulent sentinels like cacti and agaves, armed with water-retaining prowess, defy the arid odds.

Their sculpted forms, adorned with waxy armor and minimized leaf surfaces, stand as testaments to nature’s artistry in the face of enduring droughts.

Amidst the searing sunsets and cooling night breezes, desert creatures unfurl their nocturnal ballet. The fennec fox, with ears attuned to both the symphony of the night and the art of thermal regulation, epitomizes the adaptations that flourish under the desert moon. Serpentine sidewinder rattlesnakes navigate the shifting sands with a dance uniquely adapted to minimize contact with the scorching ground.

Yet, beyond the flora and fauna, the desert biome reveals landscapes of ethereal beauty and geological marvels. The Sahara’s sweeping sand dunes or the American Southwest’s sculpted rocks are canvases painted by the patient hands of erosion and time. In these deserts, the Earth’s bones are laid bare, echoing tales of a silent yet majestic sculptor.

Despite the arid facade, the desert’s heartbeat is often revealed in the rare symphony of a desert bloom. Dormant seeds burst into life with the touch of sporadic rainfall, transforming the seemingly lifeless canvas into an ephemeral masterpiece of colors. These bursts of vitality underscore the interconnectedness of desert life, showcasing the resilience and hidden vibrancy within the seemingly barren landscape.

Water, the elusive elixir, plays a pivotal role in desert ecosystems. Oasis havens, shimmering mirages of life, punctuate the vast emptiness. They serve as sanctuaries where life congregates, attracting migratory species and sustaining those adapted to the harsh conditions. The significance of water in the desert is not lost on human cultures, with ancient nomadic tribes and modern civilizations alike shaping their existence around these precious liquid lifelines.

Humanity’s dance with the desert spans centuries, revealing a tapestry woven with nomadic wisdom and modern ambition. Bedouin nomads traverse the shifting sands with an intimate knowledge of the desert’s rhythms, while modern metropolises like Dubai and Las Vegas rise like mirages, transforming arid landscapes into bustling urban centers. Yet, with progress comes peril, as human activities threaten the delicate balance of these fragile ecosystems.

In conclusion, the desert biome emerges as an enigmatic theater where life, in its myriad forms, defies the apparent harshness with tenacity and grace. Far from the clichéd image of desolation, deserts are landscapes of adaptation, resilience, and hidden beauty. The intricate interplay of succulents, nocturnal creatures, and geological wonders paints a portrait of life’s unwavering determination in the face of adversity. As humanity treads the delicate line between progress and preservation, the desert biome beckons as a poignant reminder of the delicate dance that sustains life in Earth’s most austere realms.

Cite this page

Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life's Dance in the Desert Biome. (2024, Feb 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/ephemeral-resilience-unveiling-nature-lifes-dance-in-the-desert-biome/

"Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life's Dance in the Desert Biome." PapersOwl.com , 1 Feb 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/ephemeral-resilience-unveiling-nature-lifes-dance-in-the-desert-biome/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life's Dance in the Desert Biome . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/ephemeral-resilience-unveiling-nature-lifes-dance-in-the-desert-biome/ [Accessed: 20 Apr. 2024]

"Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life's Dance in the Desert Biome." PapersOwl.com, Feb 01, 2024. Accessed April 20, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/ephemeral-resilience-unveiling-nature-lifes-dance-in-the-desert-biome/

"Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life's Dance in the Desert Biome," PapersOwl.com , 01-Feb-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/ephemeral-resilience-unveiling-nature-lifes-dance-in-the-desert-biome/. [Accessed: 20-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Ephemeral Resilience: Unveiling Nature Life's Dance in the Desert Biome . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/ephemeral-resilience-unveiling-nature-lifes-dance-in-the-desert-biome/ [Accessed: 20-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

• The Hot Desert – Sahara

We are sure you all know what deserts are. Isn’t it? How many of you have actually been to a desert and know how it is like? Have you ever wondered how people live in a desert and what they eat? In this chapter, we will look at one of the most famous deserts in the world, the Sahara Desert.

Suggested Videos

What is a desert.

A desert is an arid region characterized by extremely high or low temperatures , low rainfall, and scarce vegetation .  You would also find a scarcity of water. It is very difficult to live in a place where there is no water to drink, no grass to feed the cattle and no water for the growth of grass.

It is a wonder that people who live in the deserts have learned to cope up with extremely harsh climates . Depending on the temperature, we can find hot deserts or cold deserts. People inhabit these lands wherever little water is available to practice agriculture. In this chapter, we will discuss desert of Sahara.

The Sahara Desert

The Sahara desert covers a large part of North Africa. It has the following features:

• Sahara is the world’s largest desert. It covers an area of around 8.54 million square kilometres (which is more than the total area of India!!).
• The desert touches eleven countries which are as follows: Algeria, Morocco, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia and Western Sahara.
• It has gravel plains and elevated plateaus with a bare rocky surface. These rocky surfaces, at some places, are more than 2500 m high.

The climate of the Sahara desert is scorching hot and parched dry. It has a short rainy season. Since the sky is cloudless and clear, the rate of water evaporation is greater than the rate of water accumulation. Hence, there is water scarcity. However, the nights may be freezing cold with temperatures nearing zero degrees Celsius.

Flora and Fauna

• Flora:  Vegetation in the Sahara desert includes cactus, date palms and acacia. We can find an oasis in some places.
• Fauna:  The animal species found here are camels, hyenas, jackals, foxes, scorpions and many varieties of snakes and lizards.

People of Sahara Desert

Different groups of people inhabit the Sahara desert. They are engaged in different activities. Among them are the Bedouins and the Tuaregs. These groups are nomadic tribes. They wear heavy robes to protect them from the harsh climate i.e. dust storms and hot winds. The tribes are engaged in animal rearing. Animals such as sheep, goats, camels, and horses are reared for the following purposes:

• Hides: These are used to make leather for belts, slippers and water bottles.
• Hair: This is used to make mats, carpets, clothes, and blankets.

Growing Date Palms and Agriculture

The oasis in the Sahara and Nile valley in Egypt supports settled population. Since water is available, people grow date palms. Other crops that are grown include rice, wheat barley, and beans. Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt.

Changes In The Desert

Sahara desert is experiencing constant transformation because of the discovery of oil. This discovery has been made in Libya and Egypt etc. We can also find other important minerals like iron, phosphorus, manganese, and uranium.

• We also find a lot of changes caused due to business and infrastructural development.
• Gleaming glass cased office buildings tower over mosques and superhighways crisscross the ancient camel paths.
• Trucks are replacing camels in the salt trade.
• Tuaregs are seen acting as guides to foreign tourists.
• Many nomadic tribes are finding jobs in the field of oil and gas operations, and migrating to cities.

What is a Mirage?

Under a baking sun, a weary traveller trudges across a seemingly never-ending expanse of desert . Looking up, he suddenly spots something in the distance: a sparkling lake. He rubs his eyes. It’s still there. Picking up the pace in glee he strides ahead… only for the water to melt into thin air . Doesn’t that sound fun?

Well, it actually is science ! Mirages are a naturally-occurring optical illusion. In cartoons, a mirage is often depicted as a peaceful, lush oasis lying in the shade of swaying palm trees, but in reality, it is much more likely to look like a pool of water.

The illusion results from a way in which light is refracted (bent) through the air at different temperatures. Cold air is denser than warm air and therefore has a greater refractive index. This means that as light passes down from cool to hot air. It gets bent upwards towards the denser air and away from the ground.

To your eyes, these distorted rays seem to be coming from the ground, so you perceive a refracted image of the sky on the ground. This looks just like a reflection on the surface of a pool of water . This causes confusion.

Question For You

Q. What is an Oasis?

Ans: In the depressions (which are formed when the wind blows away the sands) where underground water reaches the surface; an oasis is formed. These areas are fertile. People may settle around these water bodies. People may grow date palms and other crops. Sometimes the oasis may be abnormally large.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Life in the Deserts

• The Cold Desert – Ladakh

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Your Article Library

Man’s life in desert (an overview).

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Man’s Life in Desert!

Man today inhabits almost every patch of land available to him. He cannot choose the climate; he can only adapt himself, up to a certain degree. Of all human beings, only a few hardy peoples have been able to survive in the desert-nomadic Bedouins, Mongol herdsmen, American Indians, and Australian Aborigines are among the few peoples whose social customs, and even physical attributes have enabled them to live well there.

These desert peoples – as much as the plant and animal inhabitants-throw light on just what the word adaptation really means. They are all truly at home on arid lands. They do not find deserts “hostile” or “searing,” for such descriptions are an outsider’s way of looking at this world. In fact, a cactus or a pack rat would find life nearly impossible in a well-watered, shaded woodland or meadow.

The reason, a desert is not deserted is that many forms of life have adapted to the extreme conditions. You might even find the desert bursting with life-a procession of animals at a waterhole, or a profusion of wild flowers budding or courtship in birds after a rare shower.

How does man adapt to his climate?

Man is a homo-thermic animal – he is capable of maintaining a relatively constant internal body temperature over a wide range of climatic conditions. The human body has an extremely well-developed thermoregulatory system whose major function is the protection of body tissues against overheating.

Constancy of deep- body temperature is achieved by adjusting the heat loss to the surroundings in such a way that it always equals the net heat gain from internal and external sources. In a hot environment, the total heat load on the body is comprised of internal or metabolic heat production together with external heat gain due to radiation and convection from the surroundings. Practically, the only way the body can dissipate heat in the summer is through evaporation of sweat.

Metabolic heat load :

Out of the total metabolic heat produced, only about 15 per cent is used for the performance of work; the remaining 85 per cent keeps the body temperature constant.

The metabolic heat load does not change with the seasons; it remains the same, be it summer or winter. The heat exchange occurs by three principal mechanism viz., radiation, convection and evaporation. Heat exchange by convection depends on air temperature and wind-speed. The air in immediate contact with the body surface will remove heat from the body only if it is cooler than the skin; otherwise the body heat goes up. Common effects of desert environment

The desert is an un-melting mistress, to those who do not know how to win it. The desert environment makes almost every action more difficult, more exhausting and more demanding. Soft sand, sharp declivities, rugged wadis, knife edged stones, spiny vegetation and venomous animals wait to trap the unwary, rush or desperate. Heat shimmer and dust obscure the vision; every sand- hill or stony depression looks like the last except to be initiated. The mirage is its final supreme mockery.

Effects of Desert Environment:

The Effects of desert environment are following:—

1. Perspiration:

As the temperature of the surrounding air increases, the amount of perspiration increases too. It is the only way to disperse the heat from the body. Perspiration is mainly a combination of water and salt. Perspiration plays the most important role in cooling of the body.

It is common knowledge that evaporation produces cooling at a rate of about 540 kcal for each litre of water evaporated. The amount of water consumed by drinking does not affect the rate of perspiring. Perspiring cannot be avoided by not drinking water. If man does not drink he will be dehydrated.

2. Fatigue:

It is fairly common in hot climates, but researches show that not only physical, but also emotional causes contribute to this phenomenon. There are two faces to the definition of fatigue – one is objective – the decline in working capacity or efficiency: the other is man’s subjective feeling of exhaustion.

3. Dehydration:

The prolonged sweating has a most pronounced danger of dehydration i.e. a deficit in body water.

Table – Symptoms of dehydration in mar at deficits of body water.

Control of Dehydration:

Intake of water is the only way to prevent dehydration. Another way is to consume vegetables and fruits as these contain large amount of water. It was also found that frequent drinking of relatively small quantities is preferable to large quantities at great intervals. It is very important to prevent even temporary dehydration and to restore the fluid loss as soon as possible.

Adaptation :

Arid conditions seem to have played a determinant role from time to time in the course of man evolutionary history. With the help of modern bio-technology man has adapted the desert environment. The adaptations of man to desert environment are physiological and technological. Man’s adaptation to environment and work in hot deserts is his ability to satisfy his needs in regard to comfort, activity and motivation.

Physiological Adaptations:

The body tries many physiological adjustments to keep its temperature constant when heat exerts a stress.

These adaptations are of two types:

1. Vascomotor control which regulates blood supply to skin and

2. Subdomotor control which regulates sweat production (Fig. 12.1).

The immediate thermoregulatory adjustments may be as follows:

1. Vasodilation of peripheral or skin blood vessels, increasing transfer of heat from the interior to the surface and facilitating heat loss by conduction.

2. Subdomotor acts by initiating sweat-gland activity. There by excessive sweating, which provide water for evaporative cooling from skin.

3. Reduced activity.

When a man is doing physical work in hot environment, there are competitive demands of muscle and skin on the cardiac output. The result is obviously a decrease in work capacity. Work capacity can also fall due to an elevated body temperature. Although the body is able to maintain thermal balance for some time, the control mechanisms are put under heavy strain. However, deterioration of performance is first observed in tasks involving mental and intellectual efforts and later in those involving physical labour.

Man has a considerable capacity for adjusting his heat balance to quite large demands, but as the demand grows the risk of undesirable secondary consequences increases. Failure; if and when it occurs more often comes from the secondary consequences than from inadequacies in heat regulation itself.

Technological Adaptations:

To primitive man there was no course but to bow to desert environment and was at its mercy. Due to technological development, desert dweller manipulate environment. But desert dweller due to technological development and economy can manipulate environment more feasible and profitable.

To beat the heat in the hot desert, the adjustments are:

I. Shelter:

1. Shade to outer surface-as by trees, another structure, screens and projections from walls.

2. Reflective outer surface-as by light colour, or polished metal surface.

3. Air movement over surface-secured by orientation to wind, slope, absence of wind barriers.

4. Capacity insulation for permanent roof and wall structures exposed to sun-as by use of fairly thick layers of adobe, cement, stone or bricks.

5. Shade; to openings-such as projections above window, shutters, screens.

6. Ventilation of structural spaces-such as roof space, interval between layers of roof or wall constructions.

7. Controlled ventilation over undersurface of heated roof or wall-by forced ventilation to remove heat without mixing into room air.

The application of these principles to specific situations will vary greatly with the circumstances.

II. Clothing:

The first principle in the design of clothing is that of extensive coverage against environmental hazards. The coverage must permit transfer of evaporated moisture from beneath the clothing to the outer air.

Loose fit white and high permeability of the clothing fabrics to water vapour offer a compromise between two functions i.e. keeping heat out without locking water vapours. Natural fibres such as cotton and wool are more permeable to water vapour than most synthetic fabrics.

In the applications of these principles to garments there is a room for much individuality- and much error.

The head, neck and shoulders receive the bulk of the incident direct solar radiation. For this best screen is provided by the flowing Arab head-dress. A light-weight, light-coloured cloth, fixed to the crown, but falling freely over neck and shoulders, intercepts the solar radiation and returns the heat to the surrounding air, while simultaneously providing a means for screening the head from wind and dust. Hats and caps provide shade to eyes.

Upper Garment:

This should overlap the lower garment, preferably on the outside. An extra thickness of material over the shoulders and upper back may assist insulation against radiation.

Lower Garment:

Long trousers are probably better suited. An extra insulating layer and wear-resisting layer may be incorporated in the seat and over the knees.

Good sole insulation is required for protection against hot ground, mechanical and biological hazards – sand, rocks, cactus, snakes etc.

Underclothing:

Thin and absorbent under clothing is desirable for hygienic reasons and not from a thermal point of view.

Further insulation can be provided if necessary by the addition of an over-garment.

Clothing serves a variety of purposes and some compromise always must be made between demand and fashion.

III. Housing:

The important principles of housing for hot dry environments are:

1. Shade to wall from high-altitude sun by roof and wall projections.

2. Effect of surface on absorption of solar heat. Black reflects none, but has good emission of long infra-red. White reflects visible and has equally good emission of long infra-red; polished aluminum reflects visible and some short infra-red but emits very little in long infra-red.

3. Wall openings should be closed by day when outdoor air is hotter than indoor, but open by night when reverse gradient prevails.

4. Controlled ventilation over inner surface of heated structure very desirable. Controlled convection can be used to remove heat from inner surface of heated structure, without mixing into room space. Importance is increased and resultant protection is greater when the inner surface has a low emissivity for infra-red.

5. Conventional roof space is effective in protecting room beneath when designed so that convection, free and forced, removes trapped heat.

IV. Modern Technology – Air conditioning:

Today it is possible to maintain a comfortable environment in the home regardless of the outdoor temperature. Air-conditioning equipment necessary to accomplish this may be selected from a wide variety of types and makes now available.

1. Evaporative cooling.

2. Mechanical refrigeration – room air – conditioner with a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, condenser and fans.

3. Heat pump systems. It is an air to air cycle i.e. heat is taken from inside air and transferred to the outside air. These are very good for summer cooling load and winter heating load.

The harnessing of solar radiation for energy in the hot desert environment is the gift of modern technology. In the near future family houses in the desert will be independent of external energy sources to cover all needs like lighting, cooling, heating appliances and even car running on a solar power. The dry climate has many advantages to health. Dry air and ultraviolet radiation decreases the spread of micro-organisms and pathogens.

Acclimatization :

The acclimatization in physiological sense is indicating those changes in the response of an individual to repeated or continuous climatic stress that lead to reduction of the resultant strain. An important event in acclimatization is the release of hormone, aldosterone, from the cortex of the adrenal gland.This occurs in response to the relative dehydration and inadequate circulation. Aldosterone acts upon kidney, causing it to retain more water and salt and so brings about some measure of compensation.

Principle ways in which acclimatization to heat might be brought about:

(1) By decreased heat production,

(2) By increased facility for heat loss,

(3) By increased sensitivity and responsiveness of the heat-regulating system,

(4) By reduction of the disturbances consequent upon heat regulation, and

(5) Simply by increased tolerance to the disturbances set up.

Changes in the course of acclimatization

The changes observed to take place in the course of acclimatization are:

(1) Repeated exposure to hot, dry conditions, increase in sweat rate 10-20%.

(2) Progressive fall in chloride concentration in the sweat.

(3) An increased height: weight ratio in person born or raised in hot climates.

(4) A 10% reduction in metabolic rate.

(5) Changes in ratio, weight: surface area,

(6) Reduced thyroid activity.

Related Articles:

• Desert Formation: Top 9 Causes Desert Formation
• Terrestrial Radiation: Characteristics and Exchange

Comments are closed.

Essay on A Trip to Desert

Students are often asked to write an essay on A Trip to Desert in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on A Trip to Desert

Beginning the adventure.

Our trip to the desert started with excitement. We packed our bags, wore hats, and applied sunscreen. The journey was long but filled with anticipation.

Desert’s Unique Beauty

Upon arrival, the desert’s beauty was breathtaking. The endless sand dunes, painted with the hues of the setting sun, created a picturesque scene.

Life in the Desert

We saw desert plants and animals. It was surprising to learn how they adapted to such harsh conditions.

Starry Night

The night sky was a spectacle. Billions of stars were visible, creating an unforgettable sight.

This trip taught us about nature’s resilience and beauty. It was a unique and unforgettable experience.

250 Words Essay on A Trip to Desert

The allure of the desert.

Deserts, often perceived as barren wastelands, are indeed fascinating ecosystems with a unique charm. Their austere beauty and stark landscapes provide a sense of solitude and introspection, making a trip to the desert an extraordinary experience.

The Journey Begins

The journey starts with the anticipation of the unknown. The vast, unending expanse of sand, sculpted by the wind into dunes of varying shapes and sizes, is a sight to behold. The desert’s colors, changing from golden to red to a cool blue at dusk, are a feast for the eyes.

Life in Aridity

Despite the harsh conditions, deserts are teeming with life. The flora and fauna have adapted to survive the extreme temperatures and scarcity of water. Observing these adaptations, such as the nocturnal habits of desert animals or the water conservation techniques of desert plants, is a lesson in resilience and evolution.

The Night Sky

A desert night sky, free from light pollution, offers a spectacular view of the cosmos. The stars appear brighter, the Milky Way more pronounced, and the silence more profound. This celestial spectacle is a humbling reminder of our insignificance in the vast universe.

Final Thoughts

A trip to the desert is more than a journey through a physical landscape; it is a journey within oneself. The solitude and silence provide an opportunity for introspection, and the harsh yet beautiful environment serves as a reminder of nature’s resilience. This unique experience can bring a renewed appreciation for life and the natural world.

500 Words Essay on A Trip to Desert

Deserts, often considered barren and lifeless, hold a unique charm that draws the curious and adventurous. The vast expanse of sand, the relentless heat during the day, and the chilling cold at night, all contribute to the desert’s enigmatic allure. A trip to the desert is an exploration of the primal elements of life, an immersion into the stark beauty of nature.

The journey to the desert usually begins with a sense of trepidation and excitement. As the cityscape fades and gives way to the endless dunes, there is an overwhelming sense of entering a different world. The desert landscape is starkly beautiful, with its undulating sand dunes and the absence of any visible life form. The silence is palpable, broken only by the sound of the wind blowing across the sand.

Experiencing the Desert Day

The desert is a place of extremes. During the day, the sun beats down mercilessly, making the sand hot to touch. However, the intensity of the heat is juxtaposed with the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. The sand dunes, sculpted by the wind, present an ever-changing landscape that is both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. As you traverse through the desert, you may come across the hardy desert flora and fauna, each species uniquely adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions.

The Desert Night

As the sun sets, the desert undergoes a transformation. The relentless heat gives way to a chilling cold. The sky, devoid of any light pollution, becomes a canvas for the stars. The vastness of the desert, coupled with the clear, star-studded sky, provides a humbling experience, reminding us of our minuscule existence in the grand scheme of the universe.

The Cultural Immersion

A trip to the desert is incomplete without experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the desert dwellers. Their lifestyle, shaped by the harsh desert conditions, is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. Their traditional music, dance, and cuisine offer a unique insight into a culture that has thrived in harmony with nature.

Reflections on the Journey

A trip to the desert is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. The stark beauty and the extremes of the desert prompt introspection and self-reflection. The desert’s vastness and silence provide the perfect backdrop for contemplating life’s big questions.

In conclusion, a trip to the desert is a unique experience that leaves an indelible mark on the traveler. It’s a journey of discovery – of the desert’s stark beauty, its rich cultural heritage, and of one’s self. This journey, though challenging, offers a perspective that is both humbling and enlightening.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Value of Life
• Essay on Unforgettable Day in My Life
• Essay on The Worst Day of My Life

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Paragraph on Desert Life – by Jenny

Introduction:

On hearing the word Desert, dry barren land, which is totally isolated and too hot to be in, is what comes to our minds first.

However, that is not the complete or exact picture of a desert. Though deserts are barren lands where life is almost impossible, there are places where life does exist and is not that barren as it is anticipated.

What is a desert and life in a desert?

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Desserts are usually formed when some parts of the land does not receive rainfalls, which leads the land to be very dry and hot and almost difficult for life to sustain. There are almost two kinds of desert: the hot deserts and the semi deserts. Hot deserts are mostly found near to the equators and they are very hot places. These deserts are usually full of sand, like the one that you see in Egypt. The other kind of desert which is the semi desert is mostly like a scrubland and is commonly seen in the western side. Usually a dessert gets formed when there is no adequate amount of rainfall on that particular area.

Life at the desert:

Though it is presumed that only some certain species like the Camel, lizard and snakes are found in the deserts, the actual vary. Apart from these animals, there are many others too that live in deserts like the scorpions, antelopes, boars, mule deer, peccaries, foxes and many more. These animals that one finds in the deserts, have adapted themselves to live in there and have learnt to conserve food, water and energy to survive in there.

Apart from the animals, there are also some plants that are seen to grow in the deserts, of which the Cactus is the most common one. The other often seen plant is the ocotillo, which even bear flowers in the deserts. Plants are so well adapted that they know when to blossom, store water and keep themselves safe from this harsh weather.

Journey through deserts:

Though much is heard and learnt about deserts, travelling through a desert is one difficult job. A lot of preparations needs to done, or else, surviving the heat and scarcity of water is totally questionable. Dehydration, sunstroke, and worst of all snake bites are the common disasters faced while travelling through deserts. One needs to be well equipped to face these situations, if one has to cross a desert during a journey.

Conclusion:

Though deserts seems to be a lonely place, people now have started expedition down in these like desert safaris and more where large vehicles are used to drive in the great sand dunes and make a trip that is truly adventurous.

Though there are many places that have the deserts, one could get out from these barren, hot lands with proper planning and care and also understand on how to adapt oneself in such challenging situations.

Related Articles:

• Paragraph on Camel – by Anand
• Paragraph on Deserts and Forests in India – by Rajan
• Paragraph on Life without Water – by Rajan