Hot Deserts: The Sahara Desert

1. Location
   • Largest hot desert in the world.
   • Covers North Africa, spanning 11 countries (e.g., Algeria, Egypt, Sudan).
2. Climate
   • Extremely hot during the day (over 50°C).
   • Very cold at night (as low as 0°C).
   • Sparse rainfall (less than 25 cm annually).
3. Vegetation
   • Limited to cacti, date palms, and acacias, adapted to dry conditions.
   • Plants store water in thick stems and have deep roots.
4. Wildlife
   • Animals such as camels, scorpions, snakes, and foxes.
   • Adapted to conserve water and withstand heat.
5. People and Life
   • Bedouins and Tuaregs are nomadic tribes.
   • Depend on oases for water and date palms.
   • Engage in camel herding, subsistence farming, and trade.
   • Modern developments: mining of minerals like phosphate and petroleum.

Cold Deserts: The Ladakh Region

1. Location
   • Located in India in the eastern part of Jammu & Kashmir.
   • Lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
2. Climate
   • Cold and dry throughout the year.
   • Winter temperatures drop below -40°C.
   • Sparse rainfall and snow.
3. Vegetation
   • Very few plants: willows, poplars, and sparse grass.
   • Agriculture near river valleys (barley, potatoes, peas).
4. Wildlife
   • Unique animals like snow leopards, yaks, wild goats, and double-humped camels.
5. People and Life
   • Inhabitants include Ladakhis, who practice Tibetan culture.
   • Agriculture: Grows limited crops like barley and potatoes.
   • Livestock: Yaks, goats (producing Pashmina wool).
   • Trade: Exchange of wool, carpets, and handicrafts.
   • Tourism: Buddhist monasteries and trekking attract tourists.

Comparison: Sahara vs Ladakh

Key Takeaways

1. Deserts are extreme environments with unique adaptations by plants, animals, and humans.
2. Hot deserts like the Sahara have scorching heat, while cold deserts like Ladakh endure freezing conditions.
3. Both deserts face challenges due to harsh climates, but modern developments like tourism and mining are changing lifestyles.