Unbeknownst to many, the largest desert in the world offers freezing temperatures. Like most people, we mistakenly associate the word “desert” with only extremely hot temperatures. This confusion possibly came from the fact that we define deserts as barren or desolate. Because of this, we often imagine deserts featuring a seemingly endless view of sand. However, frozen wastelands also fit the description of “deserts.” In truth, the top two largest deserts in the world belong to the Polar Ice and Tundra categories.
When it comes to barren deserts, you must learn about the types of deserts that exist on earth. Experts usually describe these wastelands as subtropical, coastal, and those in between. For colder regions, they’re called either polar or cold winter, depending on the area’s climate. Knowing about them helps you distinguish the difference between the hot and cold wastelands. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with these desolate regions helps you see how global warming affects the world. Get to know the largest desert in the world and its counterparts by checking out our list.
Discovering the Types of the Largest Deserts in the World
Before we get started, let’s get you acquainted with the four main types of deserts. Gaining information about them helps you know the difference between the large hot and cold landscapes. However, the main thing you need to know about deserts lies in their climates. We mentioned how global warming affects these wastelands but they don’t get much precipitation. Because of this, most people believe that all deserts feature only sandy views. Not a lot of people know that some deserts grow vegetation for the animals that live there. Unfortunately, the common answer to “Name the largest desert in the world” is usually the Sahara Desert. That response would’ve been correct if the question was “What is the largest subtropical desert in the world?” To avoid any future confusion, we decided to explain how you can differentiate the four main types of deserts.
Cold Deserts
First, the largest desert in the world belongs to the Polar Deserts category. These areas reach their warmest temperatures at less than 10 degrees Celsius. Yes, we consider that measurement as freezing but that’s the warmest record in those areas. Plus, they only receive yearly precipitation of about 250 millimeters. Due to global warming, polar deserts now contain lesser gravel plains and bedrock compared to the Ice Age. Nowadays, you may hear of melting ice caps along the Arctic. These instances caused a lot of panic for experts because it shows the severe effects of global warming.
You can find several cold winter deserts across the globe. Experts also dub these landscapes as semi-arid deserts due to the seasons of the area. Those who live nearby usually experience long and dry summers or cold winters with low rain and snowfall. The absence of higher rainfall comes from the area’s rain shadow effect. It occurs when a high mountain range keeps the sky’s moisture from reaching the area below. For example, the Gobi Desert experiences the rain shadow effect due to the Himalayan Mountains.
Hot Deserts
It may be surprising to most people but Coastal Deserts do exist. The disbelief usually comes from the fact that these majestic landscapes feature views of oceans or seas. There aren’t that many wastelands that belong to this major category. You may spot the largest coastal deserts located in Africa and South America. These areas experience an easterly pattern of winds that cause the prevention of moisture on the land. However, they still receive about 13 centimeters of rainfall every year.
Experts dub the hottest wastelands as Subtropical Deserts. You may find his type of barren landscape in almost every continent in the world. These areas experience intense hot and dry summers. During winter, these deserts feature cool yet dry temperatures. Despite receiving annual rainfalls, it only happens in short bursts. This causes the land or soil of subtropical deserts to be sandier or rockier.
The Largest Desert in the World: Antarctic Desert (Polar)
When talking about the largest desert in the world, the discussion must revolve around Antarctica. Unbeknownst to many, the Antarctic Desert spans the whole continent’s landmass. Everything seen with the naked eye is covered with snow and ice. The area only experiences the summer and winter seasons. When we say summer, it just means that the continent faces the sun. The way we experience day and night can only be measured by hours when in Antarctica. No matter what you try, the only way to tell if a day passed lies on your watch. The sun won’t set unless winter arrives. By then, the icy landscape remains enveloped in darkness until summer returns. Because of this, the Antarctic Desert’s soil cannot grow any type of vegetation. Moss and algae hail as the only types of plants that manage to survive in the ruthless Antarctic weather.
Despite its freezing temperatures, tourists flock to the Antarctic Desert during the summer. However, only animals permanently reside in the continent. We humans can’t live there unlike the penguins and seals that are used to the cold temperature. Even scientists who study and monitor Antarctica’s ice follow a rotation to avoid staying there for too long. When traveling around the continent, most people avoid the middle area. Compared to the coastal area, Antarctica’s midpoint offers intense cold signatures that may freeze people to death.
Arctic Desert (Polar)
Unlike the Antarctic, the temperatures measured at the second largest desert in the world let people reside there. Some vegetation grows thanks to the area’s tundra. The land experiences a climate of long winters and short summers. Since the desert covers the Arctic Ocean and the North Pole, the icy landscape receives sunlight almost every day during the summer. Once winter comes, the residents need to adjust to days with complete darkness.
People consider the Arctic Desert as a terrestrial ecoregion. It spans about 62,300 square miles. From west to east, it measures 2,000 kilometers from west to east and 1,000 kilometers from north to south. Russian island groups Franz Josef Land, Severny Island, and Severnaya Zemlya belong to the Arctic Desert. It also covers the island of Svalbard in Norway. Because of this, Norwegians and Russians can choose to live in the residential areas of these island groups. However, they must prepare for the mentioned harsh climate. Additionally, those interested in becoming residents must secure their funds for the area’s costly living expenses. Due to the expensive conditions, establishments and companies limited the job opportunities for hopeful individuals. We suggest you just take a trip to the area if you want to check out the beautiful Arctic Desert view.
Sahara Desert (Subtropical)
The Sahara Desert hails as the most famous largest desert in the world on our list. Its name comes from the Arabic word “ṣaḥrā” which means desert. In short, the Sahara Desert features the redundant name “desert desert.” It also goes by the titles “Largest Hot Desert” or “Largest Subtropical Landscape.” Located in North Africa, the sandy landscape stretches out to 11 countries. When you search for pictures of it on Google, the first choices you see usually include its sand dunes fields. This beautiful pattern of sand makes up about 15% of the desert’s area. They also reach up to 600 feet or 183 meters high. Meanwhile, Mt. Koussi, an extinct volcano, hails as the highest point in the hot landscape. It stands out with a height of about 11,204 feet or 3,415 meters.
The third-largest desert in the world is filled with not just sand but also a rich history. In 2012, archaeologists found cave and rock paintings that they can date back up to 7,000 years ago. The prehistoric artwork and remains showcase how people benefited from the lush greenery of the old Sahara. Since 1920, the Sahara Desert’s area grew about 10% of its original size. Some argue that the growth happens every dry season and returns to normal during the rainy season. However, a 2018 study states that climate change caused the expansion.
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