Hot Desert Climate

Location Found between 15 and 30 degrees north and south of the equator. Found along the western side of landmasses.

Temperature Very hot during day, varying between 30 to 50 degrees celcius. Very cold at night time (5 degrees) due to lack of cloud cover. Night = Winter of the desert. Large daily temperature range.

Precipitation Rainfall is very rare. Annual total can be less than 100mm. Long periods of drought. In the path of trade winds which blow towards the equator. They then become warmer and are able to hold their moisture. They are dry winds. Some deserts are in path of winds which blow over cold ocean currents. Cold air does not hold much water vapour = no clouds.

Vegetation Little vegetation due to shortage of moisture. Plants have adapted to conditions. They are widely spaced for less competition. They have tap roots that go very deep. They have thick protective skins and can lie dormant for years, waiting for rain.

Cactus Needles for protection against animals. Thick, waxy bark prevents moisture loss. Roots spread out to gain maximum moisture. Fleshy interior is able to store water.

Animal Life Some are nocturnal. Rattlesnakes obtain liquid from the small creatures they eat.

Camels Store fat in their hump. Have long eyelashes to sheild their eyes during sandstorms. Have thick skin on kneepads to kneel on hot sand. Have wide hooves to walk on sand.

Desertification Turning land into desert. Desert spreads into areas that were once fertile. Sahel – Band of land that lies at the southern edge of the Sahara Desert.

Causes of Desertification Climate Change Rapid Population Growth Soils have dried up and crops have failed.

Climate Change Increased temperatures due to global warming. Rainfall has decreased. Rainfall is not regular. Severe droughts. Rivers have dried up.

Rapid Population Growth Increase in demand for wood for fuel, cooking etc. Most trees cut down were not replanted. Forests cleared to create land for agriculture Increase in cattle, goats and sheep = overgrazing. Soil was overcropped. Fertility declined.

Soils dried up, crops failed. Vegetation cover is removed or reduced. Soil is exposed and unprotected. Blown away by wind or washed away in sudden downpours.

Results of Desertification Millions have died due to famine. Millions forced to migrate to other countries. Many still live in refugee camps. Many moved from rural to urban areas. This led to growth of slums. Vast areas of land are unable to support agriculture.

Solutions to Desertification Planting trees and drought resistant grasses which will slow down wind speed. Their roots will bind the soil together. Introduce new breeds of animals that would allow farmers produce more food but with smaller herds. Crop rotation Dig deep wells to provide water for irrigation. Terracing the land to make better use of rainfall.