Topic Summaries

Physical characteristics of hot deserts

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Hot desert ecosystems > Physical characteristics of hot deserts
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Energy supply

  • Climate:
    • Hot deserts have an arid (extremely dry) climate with very low precipitation, typically receiving less than 250mm of rainfall per year. 
    • Rainfall is often unpredictable and can occur in short, intense bursts that may lead to flash flooding, as the dry ground is often unable to absorb water quickly.
    • Temperatures are extreme and show a high diurnal range (difference between day and night temperatures). 
    • In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C, while at night, temperatures can drop below 0°C due to the lack of cloud cover, which allows rapid heat loss.
  • Soil 
    • Desert soils are typically shallow, dry, sandy or stony, and have very low organic content due to sparse vegetation. 
    • They are usually infertile and nutrient-poor, lacking the moisture and organic material needed to support dense plant growth. 
    • Evaporation often leaves behind salts on the soil surface, forming a hard, crusty layer called caliche, which can further hinder water infiltration and plant growth. 
    • Some areas may have slightly richer soils around ephemeral streams or oases, where moisture and nutrients temporarily accumulate.
  • Location: 
    • Hot deserts are generally found between 15° and 30° north and south of the Equator, along the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. 
    • These are subtropical high-pressure zones where descending dry air from the Hadley Cell prevents cloud formation and rainfall.

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