Antarctica is the world’s largest desert, with an area of 14 million km2 and very low precipitation. The Sahara and Arabian deserts are hot and dry, covering 9.1 million km2 and 2.33 million km2 respectively. The largest desert of all time was the interior of Pangea, and the largest desert in the solar system is […]
The Gobi Desert is a vast region in China and Mongolia, known for its harsh conditions and extreme temperatures. It is home to nomadic pastoralists and unique species, including the Gobi bear. The desert is not very sandy, with rocky outcrops and shrubland. The saxaul is an important plant and the Kerulen River supplies some […]
The Sahara Desert is not entirely made up of sand dunes, with only 15% covered by them. It also has scrub vegetation, rock plateaus, and gravel. The area has a long history of human habitation and trade routes, and is comparable in size to China or the US. The Nile and Niger rivers are the […]
The AZ Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona is a zoo, nature preserve, and museum with over 300 types of animals and 40,000 native plants. It aims to educate visitors about the environment and promote conservation through research and recovery programs. The museum also has an art institute that uses the natural environment as inspiration […]
The Mojave Desert spans across parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah and is defined by the presence of Joshua trees. It has four distinct seasons and can get very cold in winter, with Death Valley being the lowest and warmest region in North America. The desert is home to several urban centers and small […]
Desert Storm was a military conflict led by the US and a coalition of 35 countries to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1990-1991. It resulted in a quick victory with 358 coalition casualties and estimates of 30,000-100,000 Iraqi dead. Controversies include the use of depleted uranium rounds and Gulf War Syndrome. The war is […]
The Painted Desert is a colorful landscape in Arizona, USA, spanning 160 miles long and 146 square miles in area. It has brightly colored rock formations and extreme temperatures, and is largely uninhabited. The area is around 200 million years old and has a soft layer of soil composed of volcanic ash, sandstone, and mud. […]
Desert trekking is popular in Africa, but hikers need to be prepared with plenty of fluids, appropriate clothing, and gear. Dehydration is a serious risk, so it’s important to know where to find water. Proper footwear and a light backpack with essentials are also necessary. Training and fitness are important, and trekking during cooler hours […]
A desert first responder, or woofer, is trained to respond to emergencies in remote locations. Basic life support, patient transport, and desert survival skills are taught in an 80-hour course. Woofer training is often a qualification for other outdoor jobs. A desert first responder, sometimes known as a WFR or woofer, is a person who […]
Food deserts are areas where people have limited access to fresh, healthy food and rely on expensive corner stores with limited stock. This is a problem in both urban and rural areas, where grocery stores have retreated to the suburbs, leaving people stranded. Access, financial affordability, and psychological barriers to unfamiliar foods are all issues […]
Oases are fertile areas in deserts with springs that allow survival during long journeys. They occur where the water table is just below the surface due to low elevation and occasional rain. Wind erosion can create large oases by exposing the water table. The Kharga Oasis in the Sahara is an example. An oasis is […]
Desert boots are ankle boots made of soft suede with crepe soles, popularized during WWII. They require waterproofing and ankle-length socks, and are not to be confused with combat boots. Chukka and calfskin boots are dressier alternatives. Various types of ankle boots are available for both men and women. Desert boots are ankle boots made […]
