Desert Landscapes
Deserts Dry regions cover 30 percent of Earth’s land surface Distribution and causes of dry lands Two climatic types are commonly recognized Desert or arid Steppe or semiarid
Arid and Semiarid Regions Figure 12.15
Rainshadow Desert Figure 4.21
Wind Processes and Desert Landscapes The Work of Wind Overview of Desert Landscapes
The Work of Wind Eolian Erosion Eolian Transportation Eolian Depositional Landforms Loess Deposits
The Work of Wind Figure 12.1
Desert Pavement Figure 12.2
Yardang Figure 12.3
Dust Over the Red Sea Figure 12.4
Sand Transport Figure 12.5
Sand Transport Figure 12.5
Sand Ripples Figure 12.7
Dune Cross Section Figure 12.9
Major Dune Forms Figure 12.10
Sand Dunes in the Western United States
Sandy Regions of the World Figure 12.12
Loess Regions of the World Figure 12.14
Loess Deposits Figure 12.13
Overview of Desert Landscapes Desert Climates Desert Fluvial Processes Desert Landscapes Desertification
Death Valley
Alluvial Fan Figure 12.17
Differential Weathering Figure 12.18
Cross Bedding Figure 12.20
Deserts Role of water in arid climates Most streambeds are dry most of the time Desert streams are said to be ephemeral Carry water only during periods of rainfall Different names are used for desert streams in various region Wash and arroyo (western United States) Wadi (Arabia and North Africa)
Deserts Role of water in arid climates Ephemeral streams Different names are used for desert streams in various regions Donga (South America) Nullah (India) Desert rainfall Rain often occurs as heavy showers
Deserts Role of water in arid climates Desert rainfall Because desert vegetative cover is sparse, runoff is largely unhindered and flash floods are common Poorly integrated drainage systems and streams lack an extensive system of tributaries Most of the erosion work in a desert is done by running water
A Dry Channel Contains Water Only Following Heavy Rain Figure 4.22
Basin and Range Figure 12.21
Colorado River Basin Figure 1
Inselbergs in So California