Desert Geology Explained — Types, Landforms, and Desertification | Chapter 21 from Earth: Portrait of a Planet
Desert Geology Explained — Types, Landforms, and Desertification | Chapter 21 from Earth: Portrait of a Planet What makes a desert, and how do wind and water sculpt these arid landscapes? Chapter 21 of Earth: Portrait of a Planet by Stephen Marshak explores the diversity and dynamics of the world’s deserts, from their defining climates and types to the landforms and life that inhabit them. For a podcast summary, watch the chapter video on YouTube , or read below for a comprehensive educational guide. What Defines a Desert? Climate: Deserts receive less than 25 cm (10 in) of rainfall per year, experience high evaporation, sparse vegetation, and dramatic temperature swings. Desert Types: Subtropical: Found near 30° latitude, formed by descending Hadley cell air (e.g., Sahara, Arabian Desert). Rain-Shadow: Located on leeward sides of mountain ranges (e.g., Great Basin, Atacama). Coastal: Bordered by cold ocean currents (e.g., Namib, Peruvian ...