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Location and physical characteristics of hot deserts
I can describe the location and physical characteristics of hot deserts.
Lesson 1 of 5
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
Location and physical characteristics of hot deserts
I can describe the location and physical characteristics of hot deserts.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hot desert ecosystems are located at roughly 30°N and 30°S of the Equator.
- Hot desert ecosystems have distinctive physical characteristics.
- The climate influences other physical characteristics of hot deserts.
Keywords
Hot deserts - arid areas experiencing low rainfall, generally below 250 mm/year, and high summer temperatures
Biome - a global land area that is characterised by its plants, animals and climate
Climate - the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time, typically 30 years or more
Common misconception
It never rains in hot deserts.
While some deserts are exceptionally dry, a region can experience up to 250 mm of rain each year and still be categorised as a desert.
The physical characteristics of deserts can vary significantly: show students a range of desert landscapes and use GIS to explore desert surfaces - from sand dunes to desert pavements.
Teacher tip
Equipment
atlases
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a biome?
What is a biome?
A specific type of animal species found in a particular region
A term used to describe the weather patterns of a region
Q2.Which of these are examples of biomes?
Which of these are examples of biomes?
small-scale ecosystem
igneous
Q3.The imaginary lines around the Earth measuring distance from the Equator are known as line of ...
The imaginary lines around the Earth measuring distance from the Equator are known as line of ...
Q4.Put these biomes in the most likely order; starting at the Equator and moving north or south.
Put these biomes in the most likely order; starting at the Equator and moving north or south.
Q5.Which of the following is a characteristic of a hot desert?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a hot desert?
abundant water bodies
high levels of biodiversity
soils rich in nutrients
Q6.What is the primary reason for the high temperatures in hot deserts?
What is the primary reason for the high temperatures in hot deserts?
Hot deserts are located in places that are closest to the Sun
Hot deserts have a high number of active volcanoes
Hot deserts are located at high altitudes
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is a biotic component of an ecosystem?
What is a biotic component of an ecosystem?
Geological processes such as volcanic activity or earthquakes
The non-living elements such as soil, the climate, water, nutrients and sunlight
Chemical elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide
Q2.How much rainfall does a hot desert receive each year?
How much rainfall does a hot desert receive each year?
251-500 mm
501-750 mm
751-1000 mm
1000 mm+
Q3.Hot deserts are located between which lines of latitude?
Hot deserts are located between which lines of latitude?
At 0° (the Equator)
Between 0° and 15° North and South of the Equator
On the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South) only
Q4.Hot deserts are hot because of their location and proximity to the Equator. This latitude effect means the Sun's energy here is more , making it warmer.
Hot deserts are hot because of their location and proximity to the Equator. This latitude effect means the Sun's energy here is more , making it warmer.
Q5.Hot deserts are dry because they sit under an area of high pressure. What is high pressure?
Hot deserts are dry because they sit under an area of high pressure. What is high pressure?
Where warm air rises and causes clouds to form, resulting in precipitation
Where atmospheric pressure is lower than normal, leading to stormy weather
Where humidity is high, causing increased rainfall and thunderstorms
