NCERT Summary: Deserts | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

Deserts are arid regions characterized by extremely low rainfall and sparse vegetation. They cover about one-third of the Earth's land surface. The main types include hot deserts, like the Sahara, and cold deserts, like Antarctica. Deserts host unique ecosystems with specially adapted flora and fauna. Understanding deserts is crucial for environmental studies and climate change discussions.

The Hot Desert - Sahara

• The Sahara is the largest desert globally, covering about 8.54 million sq. km.
• It stretches across eleven countries: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.
• In addition to sand, the Sahara has gravel plains and rocky plateaus, some rising over 2500m in elevation.

Climate

• The climate in the Sahara Desert is extremely hot and dry.
• It has a brief rainy season.
• Daytime temperatures can reach up to 50°C, causing the sand and rocks to heat up and radiate warmth.
• Nights can be very chilly, with temperatures nearing 0°C.

Flora and Fauna

• Vegetation in the Sahara includes cactus, date palms, and acacia trees.
• Oases, which are green areas with date palms, are also found in the desert.
• Common animals in the Sahara include camels, hyenas, jackals, foxes, scorpions, and various types of snakes and lizards.

People

• Various groups, such as the Bedouins and Tuaregs, inhabit the Sahara.
• These groups raise livestock including goats, sheep, camels, and horses.
• Settled populations in oases and the Nile Valley cultivate date palms and crops like rice, wheat, barley, and beans.
• Egyptian cotton is also a significant crop in this region.
• The discovery of oil in countries like Algeria, Libya, and Egypt is transforming the Sahara.
• Modern developments include the construction of glass buildings and superhighways, replacing traditional routes.
• The Tuaregs have shifted from traditional lifestyles to guiding tourists, while many nomads now work in the oil and gas industries.

The Cold Desert - Ladakh

Location: Ladakh is a cold desert in the Great Himalayas, situated on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir. It is bordered by the Karakoram Range to the north and the Zanskar mountains to the south. The Indus River, along with several glaciers like the Gangri glacier, is significant to this region.

• Altitude: The altitude in Ladakh varies from about 3000 meters in Kargil to over 8000 meters in the Karakoram Range.
• Climate: The climate is very cold and dry due to its high altitude. Summer daytime temperatures are slightly above 0°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop below -30°C. Rainfall is scarce, averaging around 10 cm annually, a result of the rain shadow effect caused by the Himalayas. The region is also characterized by freezing winds and intense sunlight.
• Vegetation: Vegetation is limited due to the arid conditions, with only sparse patches of grasses and shrubs. In summer, fruit trees such as apples, apricots, and walnuts can be found.
• Wildlife: Common birds in Ladakh include robins, redstarts, Tibetan snowcocks, ravens, and hoopoes. Wildlife includes wild goats, wild sheep, yaks, and special breeds of dogs, which are raised for their milk, meat, and hides.

People and Culture

• Agriculture: In the summer months, locals engage in the cultivation of barley, potatoes, peas, beans, and turnips.
• Winter Activities: During the harsh winters, the community participates in various festivities and ceremonies. Women play a crucial role in managing households, agricultural activities, and small-scale businesses.
• Connectivity: Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is well-connected by road and air. National Highway 1A links Leh to the Kashmir Valley through the Zojila Pass.
• Tourism: The region attracts a significant number of tourists, both from India and abroad, contributing to the local economy.