Desert

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 polar deserts or "cold deserts". Deserts can be classified by the amount of precipitation that falls, by the temperature that prevails, by the causes of desertification or by their geographical location.

Deserts are formed by weathering processes as large variations in temperature between day and night put strains on the rocks which consequently break in pieces. Although rain seldom occurs in deserts, there are occasional downpours that can result in flash floods. Rain falling on hot rocks can cause them to shatter and the resulting fragments and rubble strewn over the desert floor is further eroded by the wind. This picks up particles of sand and dust and wafts them aloft in sand or dust storms. Wind-blown sand grains striking any solid object in their path can abrade the surface. Rocks are smoothed down, and the wind sorts sand into uniform deposits. The grains end up as level sheets of sand or are piled high in billowing sand dunes. Other deserts are flat, stony plains where all the fine material has been blown away and the surface consists of a mosaic of smooth stones. These areas are known as desert pavements and little further erosion takes place. Other desert features include rock outcrops, exposed bedrock and clays once deposited by flowing water. Temporary lakes may form and salt pans may be left when waters evaporate. There may be underground sources of water in the form of springs and seepages from aquifers. Where these are found, oases can occur.

This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Desert

Latest News for: desert

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Stuff 19 Sep 2018

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Race along Silk Road: Amul Hazar 2018 intl rally ends deep in Karakum Desert with ...

Russia Today 19 Sep 2018

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Infamous gray ghost ‘seen crossing deserted pier during Hurricane Florence’

Metro UK 19 Sep 2018

A video shot during Hurricane Florence shows what its creators claim may be a famous gray ghost walking along a pier. The Ghost Guys Go posted a YouTube clip of what say looks like a transparent, human-like shape appearing and walking along the empty promenade in North Carolina during last week’s storm ... Advertisement. Advertisement ... More. World ... ....

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Donald Trump suggested building a wall across the SAHARA DESERT to solve Europe’s migrant crisis, ...

The Sun 19 Sep 2018

SPAIN’S Foreign Minister Josep Borrell has revealed US President Donald Trump suggested a building an enormous wall in the Saharan Desert as the solution to Europe’s migration problems. Mr Borrell, a former President of the European Parliament, said Trump insisted his Mexican barrier that he has vowed to make his southern neighbours pay for would work for Europe as well. 6 ... Reuters. 6. Reuters. 6. AFP or licensors. 6. Getty - Contributor. 6 ... 6....

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Why 747 jumbo jet has been abandoned in the middle of the desert

The Mirror 18 Sep 2018

US officials say the towering aircraft is trespassing on public lands and must be moved to a new location ... ....

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What You Can Do About 'Education Deserts'

Courier Traveler 18 Sep 2018

(NAPSI)—The U.S. Department of Education reports that nearly 57 million children will go to shool in America this year. Some of them live in what are known as “education deserts,” but fortunately, there are solutions ... ....

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Morag's Run: Why a small desert road was a key pivot in the Yom Kippur War

The Jerusalem Post 18 Sep 2018

Tirtur Road’s dual role – Egyptian defense line and would-be Israeli artery – would turn the nondescript desert road into a major strategic pivot ... ....

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Water main break closes part of Maryland-Desert Inn intersection

Review Journal 18 Sep 2018

The intersection of Desert Inn Road and Maryland Parkway is partially blocked while crews from the Las Vegas Valley Water District work to repair a broken water main on Tuesday ... ....

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Hanging effigies case against Celtic fans deserted

BBC News 18 Sep 2018

Lawyers successfully argued that they did not have all the material that was available and made a motion for the case to be deserted ... ....

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Chilean desert houses one of the world's largest solar plants

Indiatoday 18 Sep 2018

Chilean desert houses one of the world's largest solar plants ... ....

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Strange Inheritance - Desert Treasure - 328

Fox News 18 Sep 2018

Retiring grandparents find a potentially valuable art piece when downsizing their home ... ....

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Desert News: Orrin Hatch said he believes Brett Kavanaugh, calls accuser 'mistaken'

Democratic Underground 18 Sep 2018

Hatch said in an interview with CNN that Kavanaugh told him during a telephone conversation. Monday that "he didn't do that and he wasn't at the party" where the incident is alleged to have ... ******* ... ....

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