What are the main characteristics of hot deserts?

Hot deserts are characterised by extreme temperatures, low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and unique adaptations of flora and fauna.

Hot deserts, such as the Sahara and the Arabian Desert, experience extreme temperatures that can soar above 40°C during the day and plummet to near freezing at night. This significant temperature variation is due to the lack of cloud cover, which allows heat to escape rapidly after sunset.

Rainfall in hot deserts is minimal, often less than 250 millimetres per year. This scarcity of water is a defining feature and results in arid conditions. When rain does occur, it is usually in the form of short, intense bursts, leading to flash floods that can quickly erode the landscape.

Vegetation in hot deserts is sparse and consists mainly of drought-resistant plants like cacti, succulents, and hardy shrubs. These plants have developed unique adaptations to survive the harsh conditions. For example, cacti store water in their thick stems, while some plants have deep root systems to tap into underground water sources.

The fauna in hot deserts also exhibit remarkable adaptations. Many animals are nocturnal, coming out at night to avoid the daytime heat. Species such as the fennec fox have large ears to dissipate heat, while camels can go for long periods without water, storing fat in their humps to use as a resource.

The soil in hot deserts is typically sandy or rocky, with little organic matter. This makes it difficult for plants to grow, further contributing to the sparse vegetation. However, these soils can be rich in minerals, which can be valuable resources if extracted responsibly.

Overall, hot deserts are unique ecosystems with extreme conditions that have led to fascinating adaptations in both plants and animals, making them a significant area of study in geography.