Deserts are known for their hot and arid climates, but not all deserts share the same weather conditions. Some deserts, in fact, have extreme temperature ranges, with winter temperatures dropping below freezing point. In this article, we will explore which deserts experience below-zero temperatures during winter.
Definition of Deserts
Deserts are areas that receive little rainfall and have a very dry climate. They are characterized by their arid landscapes, with little vegetation and a vast expanse of sand and rock formations. Deserts can be found on every continent, and cover around one-fifth of the Earth’s surface.
Temperature Range in Deserts
Deserts have a reputation for being hot, but their temperature ranges can be extreme. During the day, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with low humidity, while at night, temperatures can plummet to below freezing point. This large temperature range is due to the lack of humidity, which means that heat is lost quickly at night.
Winter in Deserts
Winter in deserts can be just as extreme as summer. While it may not be as hot, the lack of humidity means that temperatures can drop rapidly at night, leading to below-freezing temperatures. Some deserts also experience winter snow, which is a rare and beautiful sight in these arid landscapes.
Freezing Point Temperature
The freezing point temperature is the temperature at which a liquid changes into a solid. This temperature is different for each substance, but for water, it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. In deserts, temperatures can drop below freezing point, which can be dangerous for animals and humans without proper protective gear.
Deserts with Winter Snow
While it may be hard to imagine snow in a desert, some deserts do experience winter snowfall. This can create a beautiful contrast between the white snow and the red sand dunes. The snow also provides a temporary source of moisture for plants and animals in these arid environments.
Coldest Desert in the World
The coldest desert in the world is the Antarctic Desert, with temperatures that can drop as low as -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this desert is not inhabited by humans or animals, and is mostly covered in ice and snow.
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is located in South America, and is the driest desert in the world. While it may be known for its arid climate, it also experiences freezing temperatures during winter. The temperature can drop as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a stark contrast with the hot summer temperatures.
Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is located in Asia, and is known for its extreme temperature ranges. During winter, temperatures can drop as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the coldest deserts in the world. Despite its frigid temperatures, the Gobi is also home to unique animal species such as the Bactrian camel.
Great Basin Desert
The Great Basin Desert is located in the western United States, and experiences below-freezing temperatures during winter. While it may not be as cold as the Gobi Desert, the Great Basin still has a temperature range that can be difficult to survive in for humans and animals without proper protection.
Conclusion
Deserts may be known for their hot and arid climates, but some also experience freezing temperatures during winter. These extreme temperature ranges can be dangerous for animals and humans without proper protective gear. However, winter in deserts can also be a breathtaking sight, with rare and beautiful snowfalls creating a stark contrast with the arid landscape.
References
- "Desert." National Geographic Society.
- "What is a desert?" Live Science.
- "Deserts." World Wildlife Fund.
- "Gobi Desert." National Geographic Society.
- "Atacama Desert." National Geographic Society.
- "Great Basin Desert." National Park Service.
