Lesson 39 of 84 · Geography
⭐ 30 XP🗺️ Atlas OutpostDeserts: Hot and Cold
Deserts are defined as regions that receive less than 10 inches of precipitation annually.
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Then & Now
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Deserts are defined as regions that receive less than 10 inches of precipitation annually. They can be categorized into hot deserts, like the Sahara in Africa, which experience extreme temperatures, and cold deserts, such as the Gobi in Asia, where winters can be quite frigid. Despite their harsh conditions, these environments are home to specially adapted flora and fauna that have evolved to survive with minimal water. Understanding the characteristics of both hot and cold deserts helps us appreciate the diversity of our planet's ecosystems.
Key Facts
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world.
The Gobi Desert is a cold desert located in Mongolia and China.
Deserts can exist at various latitudes and altitudes.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2Which of the following is the largest hot desert in the world?
Why this still matters
Every label on the food in your kitchen says where it traveled from.
Stretch Challenge
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Find where everything in your fridge came from this week.
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“If you could live anywhere on Earth, where would it be — and why?”
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