Geography · X-Factor Notes
The Arid Regions/Deserts revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
High-Yield Revision| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of Desert | A desert is defined as a region where annual precipitation occurs less than 25 cm. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009 |
| Location of Hot Deserts | Most hot deserts are located on the western margins of continents between 15 to 20 degree North and South latitudes. This is because trade winds lose their moisture and humidity as they move westward. | U.P. B.E.O. (Pre) 2019 |
| Probability of Desert | The likelihood of having a desert on Earth is higher near the 23 degree latitude. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009 |
| Temperate Deserts | These are found between 30 to 60 degree latitudes. The Patagonian Desert is an example of a temperate desert. | U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Sahara Desert | It is the biggest (non-polar) desert in the world. | U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994 |
| Thar Desert | It is the largest desert of South Asia. It is also the most densely populated desert in the world, with a population density of 83 people per square km. | U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996, 2012 |
| Atacama Desert | It is known as the world's driest desert. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Perennial Energy Source | Deserts are considered effective sources for the production of perennial energy. This is because deserts can receive more solar energy in six hours than humans consume globally in one year. | U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013 |
| Desert Animals | Desert dwelling animals are scientifically referred to as Xerocoles animals. | U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2023 |
| Dasht-e-Lut | This large salt desert is located in Iran. It has been measured as the world’s hottest desert (based on surface temperature). | U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015 |
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| Gobi Desert | This desert is located in Mongolia and Northern China. | U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 1993 |
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| Taklamakan Desert | This desert lies in the Southwestern Xinjiang Province of Northwest China. | U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008 |
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| Gibson Desert | It is located in Western Australia. (Incorrectly matched with Brazil in a question). | U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016, U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018 |
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