Deserts

Hi 4F,
If you remembered, we came across deserts when going through our English paper last week? I promised to get some information on the blog about deserts. Here they are.

Read on!

Where are hot deserts found?
In the centre or on the west coasts of continents.
Usually between latitudes 10 degrees and 30 degrees north or south of the Equator.
Where the prevailing wind (most common wind direction) comes from the dry land.

Why are these deserts dry?
The prevailing wind blows across land so it does not carry much moisture.
In Britain air usually rises, then air cols cools and condensation gives cloud and rain. BUT... In hot deserts air descends, then air gets warmer causes evaporation and cloudless skies.

Why is there a big difference between day and night temperatures in deserts?

DAY TIME:
In the day temperatures are very high. the sun's rays beat down and heat the ground surface
It is very hot in the day and can be very cold at night because there are no clouds to:
Keep the ground shaded by day.
Trap the heat at night.

Problems of survival in the desert:
Very high temperatures in the day/ strong sun.
Lack of nutrients/soil.
Being eaten by animals.
Little rain; occasional storms.
Competition from other plants.
Reproducing is difficult.
Removed by people.
Strong wind and sand storms.
Very cold at night.

Desert animals
Camels are among many animals which have specially adapted features so that they can survive in desert environment.

They have two eyelids.
Leathery mouths.
They can close their nose.
Padded feet.
Camels store fat in their humps, which can be broken down to provide food and water. This helps them survive long journeys in the desert.


Desert King Snake
Average Lifespan 10 years
Scientific name: lampropeltis getula splendida
Group: Colubird
Origin or range: North America
Relative size: Average (compared to other snakes)
Desert Kingsnakes are found in arid regions of the Southwest United States and Northern Mexico. They are quite easy to keep in captivity and are relatively non-aggressive.

Adapted from: http://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/depts/geog/bcs_geography/deserts.htm


View http://www.inchinapinch.com/hab_pgs/terres/desert/plants.htm for more information.