Which Deserts Get Freezing Winters, and Why?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Which deserts get freezing winters, and why?

The Big Idea

Deserts in the middle of big continents, or high up on plateaus, get very cold winters! The Gobi in Asia and the Great Basin in North America are examples. These are called cold deserts.

Far from the Ocean

Step one: far from the ocean. Oceans hold heat and keep nearby places milder, like a big warm blanket. Deserts in the middle of a continent miss that warm blanket.

High and Thin Air

Step two: high and dry. High up on a plateau, the air is thin and dry. Thin, dry air cannot hold heat, so warmth escapes quickly.

Life in the Cold

Step three: tough living things. Plants and animals in cold deserts handle frost, snow, and very little water. Some animals grow thick fur, and some plants hug the ground to stay out of the icy wind.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Gobi is in Asia. The Great Basin is in North America. Both have thin, dry air and plenty of room for the cold to settle. And both have snowy winters. Cold deserts are real.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Gobi can drop to 40 degrees below zero in winter. That is even colder than the inside of a home freezer. Bactrian camels there grow thick winter coats. If you visit a cold place, dress warmly and go with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, find the Gobi Desert on a map. Look up its winter temperature. Compare it with your own town. Which one is colder?

Outro

Some deserts are cold, high, and far from the ocean. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!