LW - Hot Desert Flashcards
1
Q
Where are Hot Deserts located?
A
Dry continental interiors in a belt 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south
2
Q
Why are there few clouds in Hot Deserts?
A
Air rises at the equator -> descends at the latitudes -> high pressure anticyclone
3
Q
What is the climate like?
A
- High temperature during the day
- Below freezing at night
- Arid less than 250 mm of rainfall per year
4
Q
What are some plant adaptions?
A
- Giant saguaro cactus = pleated outside skin to expand when water is soaked up.
- Grows slowly to preserve energy and resources
- Some plants have long taproots (7-10m) to reach groundwater
- Roots close to surface to soak up water before it evaporates
- leaves are small needle like and have a waxy resin to reduce water loss
- Yellow daisy has a bright colour to attract plants and a short stem to preserve water
5
Q
What are the characteristics of the soil?
A
- Sandy or stony
- Dry but soak up water rapidly
- Evaporation draws salt to the surface -> white residue on surface
- Not fertile
- Lack of dense vegetation
