Consider the following statements regarding the climate of Sahara dese...
The Sahara is dominated by two climatic regimes: a dry subtropical climate in the north and a dry tropical climate in the south. The dry subtropical climate is characterized by unusually high annual and diurnal temperature ranges, cold to cool winters and hot summers, and two precipitation maximums.
Consider the following statements regarding the climate of Sahara dese...
The climate of Sahara desert
The Sahara desert is known for its extreme climate conditions, characterized by scorching heat and aridity. However, it does not receive plenty of rainfall and the nights are not freezing cold.
Scorching hot and dry climate
- The Sahara desert experiences one of the hottest climates in the world. It is considered a hot desert due to its high temperatures.
- During the day, temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or even higher. The intense heat creates a harsh environment with little to no vegetation.
Cloudless and clear sky
- The Sahara desert is known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine. The region experiences very little cloud cover, resulting in long periods of uninterrupted sunshine.
- The lack of clouds allows the sun's rays to directly reach the surface, intensifying the heat and contributing to the desert's extreme temperatures.
Minimal rainfall
- The Sahara desert is characterized by extremely low precipitation levels. It is considered a hyper-arid region, receiving less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rainfall annually on average.
- The scarcity of rainfall is one of the defining features of the desert. This lack of moisture contributes to the arid conditions and limited vegetation.
Nights not freezing cold
- While the Sahara desert experiences scorching hot temperatures during the day, the nights are relatively cooler but not freezing cold.
- The temperatures during the night can drop significantly, but they typically remain above freezing. In some areas, temperatures may reach near freezing, but it is not a common occurrence.
- The temperature fluctuations between day and night can be quite extreme, with a difference of more than 20 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit).
In conclusion, the statement that is correct regarding the climate of the Sahara desert is that it receives minimal rainfall. The desert is characterized by scorching heat, clear skies, and aridity. The nights are relatively cooler than the day, but they are not freezing cold.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 6 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 6.