A semiarid desert is an ecosystem with marginally higher rainfall than true deserts but still insufficient for lush vegetation. Examples are the Sahel and the Kalahari, which have some grasslands. Subtropical deserts like the Mojave show extreme temperature fluctuations and scant rainfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Semiarid Desert Description
A semiarid desert is a type of ecosystem which receives a slightly higher amount of precipitation compared to true deserts, but still has limited rainfall, making it difficult for abundant vegetation to grow. The Sahel, south of the Sahara Desert, is an example of such a region. It is a transitional zone featuring a mix of grasslands and sparse shrubbery, and rainfall averages to about four months per year.
The Kalahari Desert in southern Africa is another example of a semiarid environment, characterized by sandy savannas and small sand dunes. Contrary to the Sahara, the Kalahari receives more than ten inches of rain annually in some regions, but lacks surface water because rainwater quickly drains through the sandy soil.
Subtropical desert regions, such as the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts in North America, have extreme temperature variations owing to their dry conditions, with soil surface temperatures soaring above 60°C (140°F) during the day and dropping close to freezing at night. Yearly precipitation is very low, often less than 30 cm (12 inches).