Deserts

Desert Life and Environments

Animals - Wildlife | Wildflowers-Plants | Minerals - Geology | Desert People

What is a desert? Learn about the desert environment and the unique characteristics that define the beautiful arid and semi-arid landscapes of the American Southwest. Desert Environments
How many deserts are in North America? In most modern classifications, the deserts of the United States and northern Mexico are grouped into four distinct categories. More on the North American Deserts

Deserts of United States

• The Chihuahuan Desert
• The Great Basin Desert
• The Mojave Desert
• The Sonoran Desert
  
  
• Learn about Sand Dunes
• Glossary of Desert & Geological Terms

 

Deserts of the World

• The Sahara Desert: Geology and Climate
• The Sahara Desert: Wildlife and Culture
• The Gobi Desert: Location and Landscape
• The Gobi Desert: Wildlife, Plants and Culture
• Australia's Great Sandy Desert: Geology and Climate
• Australia's Great Sandy Desert: Wildlife, Plants and Culture

 

Desert Plant & Animal Life

• Desert Animals & Wildlife
• Desert Animal Survival
  
• Desert Survival for People
• Need for Water
• Desert Plant Survival
• Desert Food Chain in Depth
  
• Desert Food Chain for the Young Student
• Desert Plants & Wildflowers
• Wildflower Watch
  
• Plants and Animals, How They Are Classified
  
• Water Resources in the Southwest
  • Dwindling Southwest Water Resources - Part I
  • Southwest Water Resources - The Problems We Face (Part II)
  • Southwest Water Resources - A Glimmer of Hope (Part III)
• Wildfires
  • It's Fire Season and the Santa Ana Winds Are Lurking
• Seasonal Migration
• Snow in the Desert - December 2008 Storms and Reader Photos
• Dust devils - Video

 

Desert Food Chain VideoVideos of Desert Animals

 

Desert Animals & Wildlife - Index
It is a miracle that life can survive in the extreme conditions of the desert. Learn about reptiles, mammals, birds, fish and amphibians that have adapted and, in fact, thrive in the harsh desert ecosystems.

Desert Plants & Wildflowers - Index
The desert is renowned for its explosions of spring wildflowers and the succulent cactus that adorn its landscapes. Enjoy the beautiful colors and unique characteristics of the plants that live in the desert.

Desert Environment & Geology - Index
Learn about the rocks, minerals and gemstones that form our North American desert lands.

Desert People & Cultures - Index
For many centuries the desert has been home to human life, from ancient hunters and farmers, to the native cultures Euro-American explorers first recorded, to settlers and modern inhabitants who enjoy its warm, dry climate and stunning vistas. Throughout the desert regions, monuments and parks have been established to preserve the record of these ancient and historic peoples, including cliff dwellings, rock art, ghost towns and historic sites commemorating all manner of human endeavors, adventures and travails.