One of the largest deserts in the world. Where is the largest desert in the world? Arctic deserts - the kingdom of eternal ice and snow

Deserts are vast natural areas of both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, divided into several types according to their composition, occupy more than 16.5 million km 2, occupying more than 11 percent of all land. On Earth there are sandy and saline, clayey and rocky, and even snowy deserts.

Sahara – a huge desert with an area of 8600 km2, located on the territory of 11 states. Despite the more common sandy type of territories, the surface of the Sahara does not belong to one specific category of deserts, since its areas cover all desert types, with the exception of snowy ones, which are a separate natural zone. Despite the popular belief that deserts are waterless, the Nile flows through the Sahara, the tributaries of which form a stable, permanent transit watercourse.

These vast, often lifeless spaces are inhabited by approximately 2.5 million people, typically local indigenous peoples and ethnic groups, largely living a closed, nomadic lifestyle, subject to seasonal changes.

2nd place

Libyan desert occupies an area of 2 million km 2, stretching over the territory of three states. Quite a few oases are inhabited by Berbers and Libyans, representing isolated centers of life whose main occupation is the cultivation of grain crops and fruit trees, as well as cattle breeding. In the Libyan Desert there are numerous outlets of groundwater, which significantly affect the life of the entire natural zone.

3rd place

Nubian desert mostly located on the territory of Sudan, and to a lesser extent on the territory of Egypt, its total area is 1240 thousand km 2. In the northern part, sandy and rocky lands smoothly transform into the Arabian desert. The climate in this natural area causes a lack of precipitation for several years. The maximum temperature in these places reaches 53 degrees. The Nubian Desert is home to up to 2.5 million people belonging to more than 20 different nationalities.

4th place

Gobi Desert , with an area of 1.3 million km 2, occupies vast territories of China and Mongolia. For several years, the Chinese government has been actively fighting the rapid advance of the desert, deciding to carry out artificial landscaping. Climatic changes in the Gobi Desert reach a difference of 100 degrees; with summer temperatures within 55°C, winter temperatures can reach -55°C.

Due to its extent and the difference in climatic biological conditions, the desert is not only actively populated, but has economic importance based on agriculture, mining natural resources and livestock farming.

Desert North American highlands The large basin occupies an area of more than 500 thousand km 2, which, together with mountain ranges reach a value of 1036 thousand km 2. This is one of the driest places on the continent, representing almost lifeless spaces that are of particular interest to tourists who prefer to spend time in harmony with nature. But in addition to the main uninhabited territory in the Great Basin, there is the city of Salt Lake City with a population exceeding 180 thousand, which became the capital of the Olympic Games in 2002.

Sandy desert of Rub al-Khali extends over 650 thousand km 2, occupying the territories of four states located in the Middle East. Almost completely lifeless spaces are used in rare cases for the extraction of gypsum, quartz and gravel; the lack of vegetation and water does not make the development of agriculture and animal husbandry possible. This is one of the hottest and driest deserts in the world with the most constant climate indicators, with temperatures of 47°C stable for July and August.

Deserts occupy approximately 11% of the total land surface, including Antarctica, more than 20% or 16.5 million km. sq. (not including Antarctica) and are characterized by low precipitation, a unique fauna, and sparse or absent flora. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the list of the ten largest deserts in the world. And if we made a mistake somewhere with the numbers, please write to us about it in the comments. Since the figures given in different sources differ.

Karakum

Karakum (translated as Black Sands) is a desert in Central Asia that occupies about 70% of the entire territory of Turkmenistan or 350,000 square kilometers. The longest irrigation canal in the world, the Karakum Canal, runs here.

The Great Sandy or Western Desert is Australia's second largest desert, covering an area of about 360,000 km. kv. (approximately 3.5% of mainland Australia). Its region is sparsely populated, with only a few Aboriginal groups living there.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua - desert in North America, located on the border between the United States and Mexico. The area of Chihuahua is approx. 362,000 km. kv. According to " World Fund wildlife» it is one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world, inhabited by the largest number species of animals.

The Great Victoria Desert is Australia's largest desert, covering an area of 424,400 km. kv. and consisting of many sand dunes, grassy plains and salt lakes.

The Great Basin Desert is one of the largest deserts in the United States, covering an area 490,000 square kilometers.

The Patagonian Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world, located in South America mainly in Argentina and a small part of Chile. Covers an area of approx. 673,000 km. kv. The desert is bordered in the west by the Andes and in the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

Kalahari

Kalahari - desert in South Africa area about 600 thousand km. kv, is the fourth largest desert in the world. It is located mainly on the territory of states such as Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and also partially invades the territory of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It has lush vegetation and rich wildlife. The Kalahari is considered one of the hottest regions in Africa.

Gobi

Gobi means “waterless place” in Mongolian. This is a large desert in Central Asia with an area of 1,295,000 km. kv. Extends across China and Mongolia.

The Arabian Desert is located in Africa (Egypt) and is the northeastern part of the Sahara. It is located between the Nile River and the Red Sea. Due to strong winds, frequent sandstorms and high temperatures Most of the desert is completely uninhabited.

Sahara

The desert is an amazing world in which, along with harsh climatic conditions, poor flora and fauna, majesty and mystery reign. These deserted spaces, of which there are more than 30, occupy about 16% of the surface globe. There are many types of deserts: they can be sandy, clay, shale and others. But the most big desert in the world is covered with a continuous layer of ice.

The largest desert on Earth

The Antarctic Desert occupies a huge area, which is the largest on the planet. It covers an area of 13,829,430 square meters. km. Its endless expanses are covered with a thick layer of ice. The Antarctic desert is polar and is located on southern continent planets. It is considered not only the largest, but also the most severe. The climatic conditions of this region are characterized by the following features:

lowest air humidity;
the lowest temperatures on the planet;
strong constant winds;
highest intensity of solar radiation.

Due to the extremely harsh conditions, the flora and fauna of the Antarctic desert is very poor. On its outskirts, close to the coast, there are moss and lichens, among which ticks and insects live. The largest inhabitants of the Antarctic desert are penguins, of which there are several species.

The largest sandy desert located in the subtropical zone is the Sahara. Its endless expanses occupy about 9 million square meters. km, and extend across almost the entire northern part of the African continent. The Sahara is considered the hottest desert on the planet. In summer, the temperature here can reach +58 °C, while the surface warms up to +75 °C. In winter, daytime temperatures drop to +13°C, and at night they can reach -18°C. Precipitation falls unevenly across the Sahara: in the northern zones there are strong thunderstorms, which result in floods, and in the southern part there is no rain for years. It is in this part of the desert that the surface is covered with continuous sand, on which there is no vegetation.

Drought-resistant grasses, shrubs and trees are found in the Sahara. They grow in areas where there is minimal water supply. There are more than 4 thousand animals here various types invertebrates and about 60 species of mammals. More than 30 thousand species of birds find refuge in the desert, most of which are migratory.

A huge area of the earth's surface is occupied by another polar desert - the Arctic. Its area is 2.6 million square meters. km. It is located in the northern part of the globe. Its surface is covered with ice, rubble and large boulders. Almost whole year There are sub-zero temperatures here, and only in the middle of summer can the air warm up to +3°C. In winter, the polar night sets in here, which lasts 6 months in the very center of the desert. The Arctic desert often experiences very thick fog and strong winds. The sky is often overcast and precipitation occurs frequently. The only vegetation found is mosses and lichens. The coastal areas are home to fauna such as polar bears, lemmings and arctic foxes.

A significant area is occupied by the desert located on the Arabian Peninsula. Its area reaches 2.33 million sq.m. Due to the hot climate, there is little vegetation and very poor fauna. Among the plants, there are grasses, shrubs and trees that tolerate drought well. The largest animals living in the Arabian Desert are gazelles. Research has shown that previously, forests grew in the territory occupied by the Arabian Desert, and there were many bodies of water.

Between the Altai and Tien Shan mountains in Asia stretch the endless expanses of the Gobi Desert, whose area is 1.3 million square meters. km. Climatic conditions in the desert are extremely harsh, due to its location in the continental zone. In winter, the air temperature can drop to -50°C, and in summer it warms up to +57°C. Due to such a huge temperature range, few plants are found in the desert. Animal world is also not diverse. Here you can find small rodents, snakes, antelopes and camels.

About 1 million sq. km of the Middle East is occupied by the Syrian Desert. This is a harsh region with very poor vegetation, which is limited to drought-resistant grasses and shrubs. Animals here include camels, antelopes and lizards. In the steppe areas of the desert, the vegetation is more diverse, which allows local residents to engage in livestock farming.

A significant area of the southern part of the African Peninsula is occupied by the Kalahari Desert - 900 thousand sq. km. The climate here remains hot throughout the year. The air temperature in the summer months is +29°C, and in winter it drops to +12°C. The Kalahari receives rainfall in the summer, which is why drought-resistant plants are found here. The desert is home to many species of animals, from giraffes to insects.

The Patagonian Desert stretches along the coast of the South American continent, with an area of 673 thousand square meters. km. Its surface is covered with sand and rubble. The climate here remains dry and cold, which is caused by the Falkland Current. Atlantic Ocean. average temperature ranges from +5°C to +13.4°C. In certain areas of the desert with high humidity, many species of temperature-resistant grasses, shrubs and trees grow. The fauna of the Patagonian Desert is quite diverse.

The vast territory of the Australian continent is occupied by the Victoria Desert, whose area is 647 thousand square meters. km. Thanks to the warm climate, many types of drought-resistant vegetation can be found in the vast desert. Victoria's fauna is very diverse. Aboriginal tribes are found in the desert.

In the western part of the North American continent there is a desert called the Great Basin. Its area is 492 thousand square meters. km. The surface of the desert is covered with sands and rock formations. Various drought-resistant vegetation is found here and many species of animals live here.

Desert. How much has been said about her! How many civilizations are buried under its sands? How many secrets have not yet been discovered, resting in its endless latitudes!!!
Today we will plunge into the world of amazing spaces. Into the world of DESERT and not just the biggest desert.

1 The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world

The real Queen of Deserts is the largest desert in the world. Its area is 9,065,000 square meters, which is only slightly less than the territory occupied by the United States of America. Sahara is located in northern Africa and occupies part of the territory of such states as Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan and West Sahara. When mirages are mentioned, it is certainly worth remembering the Sahara, since here it is the undisputed leader. During the year, from 100 to 200 thousand mirages occur on its territory. There are even special “mirage” maps that indicate the places where they are most likely to appear.

Its size is 2,330,000 sq. km. This is the second largest desert, which is located on the territories of states such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Much of the desert is uninhabited, due to frequent dust storms and strong winds. In addition, there is a large fluctuation in daily temperatures. During the day, an egg left on the sand can turn into a fried egg within 10 minutes. At night, the stones crack from the cold.

3 Gobi

A desert located in Mongolia and China. It starts from the Altai and Tien Shan mountains and ends with the steppes of Mongolia and the Yellow River. The territory of the Gobi is 1,166,000 km2. Translated from Mongolian, Gobi means “waterless place.”

Australia is the country of kangaroos and funny koalas. The country of cockatoos and endless beaches where it is so pleasant to relax! And at the same time, almost half of the continent is given over to deserts, the total territory of which is 647,000 km2. Despite the fact that the desert, in our minds, is a collection of sand, the Australian desert is something special. Here you can meet, as usual to us, sandy deserts, and stone, the entire space of which is covered with fine gravel. Moreover, the Australian desert is also famous for its red dunes located in the Simpson Desert. The height of some of them is as much as 40 meters!!!

5 Kalahari

When we hear the word Kalahari, which means “tormenting” in Berber, we think of Africa. This famous desert stretches from Botswana and Namibia to the Republic of South Africa. The territory occupied by the Kalahari, or as it is called local residents Karri-Karri is 600,000 km2. In addition, as a result of alluvium, its area is constantly increasing, taking away more and more new areas from civilization. The countries that have become the latest victims of the painful desert include countries such as Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

6 Karakum

Translated from Turkic, “Karakum” is translated as “black sands”. The territory occupied by this desert is 350,000 km2, and the height of the sand ridges in some places reaches 60 meters! Karakum occupies most Turkmenistan. Small vegetation prevails here; local residents use the desert as pasture for livestock.

7 Taklamakan

A desert located in Central Asia and covering 337,600 km2. In 2008, record low temperatures were observed on its territory, and in some places there was even snowfall!

8 Salar de Uyuni

The world's largest salt desert, located in Bolivia. According to experts, the amount of salt contained on its territory is estimated at 10 billion tons. When it rains, salt, dissolving in water, turns the desert into the world's largest salty “mirror.” This is due to the fact that salty water has a different refractive index, and when light hits it, it is reflected, similar to reflection in an ordinary mirror.

9 Atacama

The largest desert located in Chile. It is considered the driest place on earth. Plants growing on its territory have developed special mechanisms for survival in this harsh climate. During dry periods, they even abandon such functions as usual for plants, such as growth and reproduction.

The world's only ice desert. Its area is about 14,107,000 km². Contrary to popular belief, Antarctica is the driest place on earth! This is explained by the fact that extreme cold literally “dries up” the moisture, and the amount of precipitation there does not exceed 4 cm per year. Interesting fact: in 1983, the lowest temperature recorded in Antarctica was minus 89 degrees Celsius.

Desert. How many secrets this word contains! How many civilizations are hidden under its endless sands. And how many tantalizing secrets she still has! Therefore, in this article we will pay attention to the largest deserts in the world. So, get ready for a journey into the world of amazing and endless spaces.

1. Sahara Desert

The largest desert in the world is the Sahara. No wonder she is called the real Queen of the Deserts. Its area is only slightly smaller than the territory of the United States of America, and is 9.1 million square kilometers. The Sahara is located in the northern part of the African continent, and is part of such states as Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Mali, Sudan, Chad and Western Sahara.

Also, when mentioning mirages, almost everyone remembers the Sahara, since it is here that people most often see various oases. So, throughout the year the desert shows its guests from 100 to 200 thousand mirages. Experts have even compiled special “mirage” maps for amateurs, which indicate the places where they most often appear.

2. Arabian desert

The size of the Arabian Desert is more than 2.3 million square kilometers. It is considered the second great desert of the world. Its location is the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the territories of such states as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Jordan.

The desert is famous for its frequent dust storms and strong winds, which makes most of it uninhabitable. In addition, it is striking that large jumps in daily temperatures occur in the Arabian Desert. So, for example, during the day an egg placed on the sand becomes boiled after 10 minutes, and that same night the stones can crack due to frost.

3. Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is located in China and Mongolia. It originates from Altai mountains and Tien Shan, and ends in the steppes of Mongolia and borders the Yellow River. total area The Gobi is 1.2 million square kilometers. The desert got its name from the Mongolian word, which translates as “waterless place.” For comparison, the Gobi Desert is 2 times larger than the state of Texas in the USA.

4. Australian desert

Everyone knows that Australia is a country where funny kangaroos and koalas live. In addition, this is a world of numerous cockatoos and endless beaches, where it is so pleasant to spend your holidays! However, few people know that almost half of the Australian continent is occupied by a huge desert.

The total area of the Australian desert is 647 thousand square kilometers. But this desert is not just a collection of sand, waves and wind. This is something original. So, here there is not only a desert consisting of sand, but also of stone, or rather small gravel. In addition, the desert in Australia amazes visitors with its red dunes, for which the Simpson Desert is famous. The height of such formations reaches 40 meters!

5. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert means "tormenting" in the local Berber language, and in fact, many people remember this area of Africa as being completely unsuitable for life, and going there often means dying a painful death. But let’s not talk about sad things, because any desert poses a danger to humans, and one must travel in it very carefully.

So, the area of the Kalahari Desert begins in Namibia and Botswana, and ends in the Republic of South Africa. Locals call it Karri-Karri. Its total territory is 600 thousand square kilometers. In addition, experts note that every year the Kalahari area increases significantly, turning more and more areas of once good land into desert. Among the countries that suffer from the onset of the desert are Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

6. Karakum Desert

The literal name of the Karakum desert translated from Turkic means “black sands”. And this is actually true, although since childhood we have become accustomed to bright yellow candies of the same name. The total territory of the desert is 350 thousand square kilometers. The height of the sand dunes in some places can reach 60 meters! The Karakum Desert is located in most of Turkmenistan. Its area is covered with small vegetation, so in certain seasons local residents use the Karakum as pastures for livestock.

7. Taklamakan Desert

The Taklamakan Desert is located in Central Asia. It is not as famous as other “record holders”, but it also occupies an impressive area - 337 thousand square kilometers. In 2008, the desert managed to surprise everyone: it recorded record low temperatures, and some places were even covered with snow!

8. Salar de Uyuni Desert

The Salar de Uyuni Desert is the world's largest salt desert. It is located in Bolivia. Experts estimate the amount of salt located on its territory as 10 billion tons.

Uniquely, when it rains, the salt reserves dissolve in the water and turn the Salar de Uyuni into the largest salt lake, which is very shallow in depth and looks more like a mirror lying on the ground. This effect is achieved due to the fact that salt water has a different refractive index, which when reflecting light is similar to that in a regular mirror.

9. Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is the largest desert located in Chile. It holds the title of the driest place on earth. However, even on this sun-scorched land, plants manage to grow: they have a unique mechanism for surviving in harsh conditions. At the same time, in dry times they do not grow or reproduce, and this can happen even for several years, but with the advent of rain and moisture they bloom to the fullest.

10. Desert Antarctica

The Antarctic desert is the only ice desert in the world. It is located on an area of more than 14.1 million square kilometers. Few people know that Antarctica is the driest place on earth! This climate is explained by the fact that extreme cold literally “dries out” moisture, and total precipitation here does not exceed four centimeters per year. It is also interesting that it was in Antarctica that the lowest temperature on earth was recorded - about 89°C!