What is a desert?

Land Features

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by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

When you think of a desert, do you imagine a hot, sand-filled landscape? You may be surprised to learn that not all deserts are sandy or hot! A desert is an area of dry land, often with little rain and few plants compared to other landscapes.

Some deserts are hot, while others are cold. Some are sandy while others are rocky. Some deserts get more rainfall than others, but they are all known for their dry conditions. In fact, at times, years can pass without rain!

Because of desert conditions, the creatures who live there must be capable of storing water and handling a large amount of sun. For example, camels have bodies that quickly take in, use, and store water! Other examples of desert animals include leopards, kangaroos, and a variety of reptiles.

Creatures that live in the hot desert often rest during the day, then forage for food at night when temperatures are cooler. Desert plants must also be able to store water. For example, cacti hold water in their stems!

Desert winds can drop off or carry away desert particles, such as sand. Dunes are created when the wind moves the sand into hill formations. Sometimes the wind creates interesting patterns on the side of the dunes! Deserts are truly interesting places filled with natural beauty!

Did you know that the surface of the planet Mars is a desert? Some well-known deserts on planet Earth include the Mojave Desert in the U.S., the Sahara in Northern Africa, and the Gobi Desert in Asia.

It’s time to paint some dunes! Start by viewing pictures of hilly dunes. The internet is a great source for images of dunes with interesting wind-created patterns on the sides!

Now use finger paint to create sand dunes on paper. When you’ve finished painting the hills, use your fingers to create grooves, waves, and other designs on the sides of the dunes. To make them extra special, try making squiggles only on one half of some of the dunes! As your fingers shape the design, imagine the desert wind shaping the sand into the beautiful landscape that is the desert!