Desert

In geography, a desert is a landscape form or region that receives little precipitation, less than 250 mm per year.. Deserts have a reputation for supporting very little life. Compared to wetter regions this may be true, although upon closer examination, deserts often harbor a wealth of life that usually remains hidden (especially during the daylight) to preserve moisture. Approximately one-third of Earth's land surface is desert. (See a map of the world's non-polar deserts, http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/deserts/what/world.html)

Related Topics:
Geography - Precipitation, less than 250 mm per year.

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Desert landscapes have certain common features. Desert soil is often composed mostly of sand and sand dunes may be present. Exposures of rocky terrain are typical, and reflect minimal soil development and sparseness of vegetation. Bottom lands may be salt-covered flats. Eolian (wind-driven) processes are major factors in shaping desert landscapes.

Related Topics:
Sand - Sand dunes - Rocky - Salt - Eolian

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Deserts sometimes contain valuable mineral deposits that were formed in the arid environment or that were exposed by erosion. Because deserts are dry, they are ideal places for human artifacts and fossils to be preserved.

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In the Köppen climate classification system, they are classed as (BW).

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