A desert is defined as an area where less than 19.6 inches (50 centimeters) of rain falls each year. Deserts cover about one third of the Earth's land surface. Examples of famous deserts include the Sahara, Atacama and Mojave deserts. Deserts aren't just hot and dry places, though; like Antarctica, they can also be cold and dry. Read below for news about these driest spots on Earth.
Latest about deserts
Why are deserts dry?
Deserts are found around the world, including next to oceans. But why are these regions dry?
Scientists solve mystery behind strange honeycomb pattern in salt deserts
Physicists have finally uncovered the mechanism behind the spectacular patchwork of hexagons on salt flats. The answer lies hidden beneath the crust and works like a donut-shaped radiator.
15 strange desert animals
Deserts are full of oddball animals. Here are 15 of the strangest.
What's the largest desert in the world?
The largest hot desert and cold desert in the world are anything but boring and barren.
How Cacti Survive: Surprising Strategies Quench Thirst
They work the night shift, let their roots die, and fend off thirsty predators to conserve every precious drop.
Carbon Dioxide Greening Deserts
Desert plants leafing out as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise.
Death Valley hits 130 degrees, nearly breaking heat record
Temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit are part of a "heat dome" scorching the western United States.
'Heat dome' scorches western US with record-breaking temps
Temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit are part of a "heat dome" scorching the western United States.
