desert climates

Desert climates are characterized by very low annual rainfall, typically less than 10 inches (25 centimeters), making them arid or dry. They often experience extreme temperature variations—hot during the day and cooler at night. Despite common association with hot deserts like the Sahara, some deserts are cold, such as the Gobi. These climates have sparse vegetation due to limited water, and evaporation exceeds precipitation significantly, contributing to their dryness. Factors like distance from moisture sources, mountain ranges blocking rain, and high-pressure systems help create and maintain desert conditions.