Although desert landscapes across the world reflect many similarities, the process of desertification is influenced by local factors. Elaborate with suitable examples.
Introduction
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Main Body
Across the world, between 20-30° latitude, in western parts of the continents, tropical deserts are found.
(i) 20-30°N → subtropical high pressure causes atmospheric stability → rainless conditions.
(ii) Nearer margins → caused due to offshore trade winds.
Nevertheless, desertification also depends on several local climatic conditions.
(I) Atacama desert → located in Peru & Chile. One of the deist place on earth. Reason for desertification being Andes → acting as an orographic barrier.
Atacama falls on leeward side, also influenced by La Nina.
[Diagram: Pacific ocean → Andes Atacama leeward zone]
(II) Thar desert → located in Western Rajasthan, India. Receives less than 15 cm rainfall
because:
(I) leeward side of Aravalli mountain
(ii) seasonal branches become moisture less, once they reach western Rajasthan.
[Diagram: Showing desert location]
Therefore, deserts are dynamic result of interplay of several conditions. Need to stop the expansion of deserts as a result of climate change.
— Ritika Chitlangia
Conclusion
23 words
Diagram
Map showing desert distribution with labels: Atacama, Sonoran, Arabian, Sahara, Kalahari with latitude markers (30°N, 0°, 30°S)
- provides latitudinal analysis of desert distribution
- explains pressure and wind systems
- includes relevant examples
Ritika Chitlangia
Salient features of World's Physical Geography
Desert Desertification
Desert formation and distribution patterns
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Total words
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Paragraphs
technical
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