A semi-desert like parts of Spain experiences more rainfall than a full desert, supporting some plant and animal life. Deserts like the Sahara and Namib have extreme temperatures and very little precipitation, making them uninhabitable without water sources like oases. The Chihuahuan Desert in North America is a type B climate, indicating arid conditions and sparse rainfall.
Semi-Desert and Desert Climates
A semi-desert or semi-arid region like parts of Spain is characterized by occasional rain and sparse vegetation. Unlike full deserts, which receive very little precipitation throughout the year, semi-deserts have enough rainfall to support some forms of plant and animal life. For instance, the Kalahari in southern Africa has a semi-desert climate and receives up to ten inches of water annually, which is insufficient to support widespread plant growth due to quick drainage through sandy soils.
Deserts like the Sahara and the Namib are typically very dry areas where evaporation exceeds precipitation. Daytime temperatures can soar above 60°C (140°F), and nighttime temperatures can approach 0°C (32°F). The Sahara Desert is known for its extreme temperatures, with highs that can reach up to 120°F during warm months and lows that can dip below 37°F during cool periods. Only hardy plants that can utilize scant rainfall survive these brutal conditions.
Oases are critical to desert life, providing the water necessary for settlements in otherwise uninhabitable regions. These areas allow for certain economic activities, including farming and herding, though they are extremely limited by the environment. Nomadic tribes such as the Tuareg and Teda have adapted to these harsh living conditions.
The Chihuahuan Desert in North America is another example of an arid region with a type B climate, which experiences little rainfall over the course of a year. In contrast, areas such as Northern Italy and the western Balkans experience hot, wet summers and mild, damp winters as a result of differing geographic factors and climate influences.