The world's largest desert spans approximately 5.37 million square miles, but it's probably not the one you're picturing. While many may assume it is the Sahara, the actual largest desert is the Antarctic Desert. Yes, the icy continent of Antarctica is considered a desert due to its low precipitation levels.
However, at 3.6 million square miles, the Sahara absolutely is the biggest hot desert in the world, by a wide margin. It's more than three times larger than the next biggest hot desert, the Arabian Desert.
Predictably, the Sahara desert, which stretches across northern Africa, is the stark opposite of Antarctica. It measures 3.55 million square miles and is known for its scorching temperatures and vast sand dunes.
Star dunes, which look like stars when viewed from above, are believed to be the tallest sand dunes on Earth, with one in the Badain Jaran Desert in China reaching a height of over 1,600 feet.
Environmentalists, and this is something you already know, are at odds with two different positions: some defend the implementation of sustainable practices in desert regions, while others advocate for the preservation of these delicate ecosystems.
Scientists have now pinpointed the age of a star dune in a remote area of one of Earth's largest and most complex types of sand dune formations. This breakthrough in research sheds light on the geological history of these unique desert features.
The fourth-largest desert in the world is the Arabian Desert, not to be confused with the Syrian or North Arabian deserts. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 310 different kinds of birds that have adapted to survive in this arid environment.
In a surprising turn of events, JEOPARDY! sparked an internet uproar over a factual slip-up in a clue about Asia's biggest desert. Fans took to a Reddit thread to debate the error, highlighting the public's fascination with desert geography.
From the towering dunes of the Sahara to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, the world's deserts hold a myriad of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Each desert ecosystem plays a crucial role in the planet's delicate balance, showcasing the beauty and resilience of nature in the face of harsh conditions.
