The Desert
By: Haritha Srikanth
Map of the Deserts of the World
Global Warming
What is Global Warming?
Global Warming is the gradual rise of Earth's temperature. It is one of the biggest threats that affects almost every area on the Earth. It is very serious and if no action is taken against it, it could make life for everyone and everything on Earth a lot harder.
How is Global Warming Affecting the Desert?
Global Warming is the desert's biggest threat. It is creating many problems including drought. As the temperature increases, the water holes and soil in the desert start to dry out. As a result of drought, most plants and living things are not able to survive in the desert.
What Causes Global Warming and What Is Being Done to Prevent It?
Global Warming is caused by something known as the "Greenhouse Effect". The Greenhouse Effect is when the atmosphere traps heat moving from Earth to Space on the Earth.This causes the heat to be stuck on the Earth. The main action that is being done to prevent against Global Warming is reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned.
Desert Climate
- Yearly Average Temperature of the Desert= 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Amount of precipitation per year= less than 50 cm
- Also, depending on which desert you are talking about, the temperature could either be hot or cold.
Areas With A Hot Desert Climate
Areas With A Cold Desert Climate
Desert Animals
Camel
Carry extra fat on their humps, most recognizable desert animals, adapts to desert easily.
Monitor Lizard
Aggressive and venomous, very intelligent, they can even count numbers in their head.They also blend in with their surroundings.
Death Stalker Scorpion
One of the most venomous creatures in the world, very dangerous, and also yellow, small, and translucent.
Sidewinder Snake
They are venomous, endangered, and they move in a sideways motion.
Jerboa
They are very adaptable, fast runners, and they don't need water for long periods of time.
Coyote
In the desert, coyotes adapt to their hunting style based on what food is available for them. They also "sing" to communicate with other coyotes.
Desert Plants
Desert Marigold
Commonly found south of the U.S and Mexico. Has leaves on them are known as "hairs". These "hairs" help for them to survive in harsh desert conditions by increasing the reflection of light.
Barrel Cactus
Most common plant found in deserts. They have heavy and sharp spines around them. They are also very large and are barrel shaped.
Organ Pipe Cactus
Very rare, and tall. They produce purple and pink flowers.The flowers open up during the night and close again during the day
Tumbleweed
Breaks away from its roots and is driven around by the Wind.They can be very small or even very big.
Cacti
Has a thick, and wide stem that allows them to store water in themselves. They also have long roots that help them to absorb moisture from the soil.
Brittle Bush
Similar to the desert Marigold, it uses its "hairs" to protect itself against cold and intensive heat. It is pretty small and grows to about 2 to 5 ft tall.