Oxford University Press, 1993. The book begins with a discussion of what deserts are and why they exist. Factors which continuously affect the arid landscape are water availability, sand and wind erosion, soil type, and flood patterns. The dynamics of each of these factors are discussed and illustrated. Plant, animal, and human life in the harsh desert environment face the challenges of temperature extremes, lack of water, and shortages of food.
Adaptability is the key to survival.
Deserts cover approximately thirty percent of the land surfaces of the world and occupy significant portions of Africa, Australia, southwest and central Asia, western South America, and the southwestern United States. Fourteen major desert areas are described in detail with maps and text illustrating the extent of aridity, cities and settlements, transportation routes, international and disputed borders, and natural resources. Seasonal land features, such as rivers and lakes which appear only during the wet season, are shown in addition to permanent features. Although deserts do not receive the amount of public interest that rainforests have, this book certainly captures the reader immediately. Every page has usually more than one color photograph, illustration or map depicting the landscape, flora, fauna, peoples and resources of the desert.