Deserts

A desert is a barren area of land where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to the processes of denudation. About one-third of the land surface of the world is arid or semi-arid. This includes much of the polar regions where little precipitation occurs and which are sometimes called "cold deserts".

Types of Deserts

There are four main types of deserts: hot and dry deserts, semi-arid deserts, coastal deserts, and cold deserts. Each type has its own unique characteristics and climate patterns that contribute to the lack of precipitation in these regions. Understanding these differences can help in understanding the various ecosystems and adaptations found in deserts.

Desert Ecosystems

Despite the harsh conditions, deserts are home to a variety of plant and animal life that have adapted to survive in these environments. Some common desert plants include cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant shrubs, while animal adaptations include nocturnal behavior, efficient water conservation, and heat tolerance. Understanding these adaptations is important in understanding the delicate balance of desert ecosystems.

Formation and Geology

Deserts are formed by a combination of factors including atmospheric circulation patterns, topography, and the presence of nearby mountain ranges. These factors contribute to the lack of precipitation and the arid conditions found in deserts. Understanding the geology and formation of deserts can provide insight into the unique landscapes and features found in these regions.

Human Impact

Human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction have had significant impacts on desert ecosystems. Understanding the effects of these activities on desert environments is crucial in developing sustainable practices and conservation efforts to preserve these delicate ecosystems.

Study Guide

What are the four main types of deserts and their unique characteristics?
Discuss the adaptations of plants and animals in desert ecosystems.
Explain the factors contributing to the formation of deserts and their geology.
How have human activities impacted desert environments, and what are the implications for conservation?

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

The resources above cover the following skills:

Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.

The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.

The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)

Concepts Of Earth/Space Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain the physical behavior of the environment, Earth, and the universe.

The student will explain how the transfer of energy and matter affect Earth systems.

The student will explain how global conditions are affected when natural and human-induced change alter the transfer of energy and matter.

The student will investigate methods that geologists use to determine the history of Earth.

The student will compare events in Earth's history that have been grouped according to similarities.

Environmental Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use the scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major environmental science concepts to understand interrelationships of the natural world and to analyze environmental issues and their solutions.

The student will explain how matter and energy move through the biosphere (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and organisms).

The student will analyze how the transfer of energy between atmosphere, land masses and oceans results in areas of different temperatures and densities that produce weather patterns and establish climate zones around the earth (At least - differential heating and cooling; oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns; climates and microclimates; biomes).

The student will analyze the relationships between humans and the earth's resources.

The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and air quality (At least - ozone; greenhouse gases; volatile organic compounds (smog); acid rain; indoor air; human health).