Surviving the Sands of the Thar Desert
The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, is a large, dry place in northwestern India and neighboring Pakistan. Most of this desert is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a massive area, covering over 200,000 square kilometers. Even though it is very hot and dry, the Thar Desert is one of the most crowded deserts in the world. Many people, plants, and animals have found smart ways to live here despite the harsh conditions.
The weather in the Thar Desert is extreme. In the summer, it gets incredibly hot. Temperatures can go above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), baking the sandy ground under the bright sun. But in the winter, the nights can get very cold, dropping close to freezing. There is very little rain, usually between 100 and 500 millimeters a year. Most of this rain falls during the brief monsoon season from July to September. Strong summer winds also blow sand around, creating big dust storms that change the shape of the dunes.
- arid:
- Extremely dry, having very little rain or water.
- monsoon:
- A seasonal wind that brings heavy rains to a region, usually during summer.
- nomad:
- A member of a group of people who move from place to place instead of living in one permanent home.
- salinity:
- The amount of salt contained in soil or water.
- burrow:
- A hole or tunnel dug in the ground by an animal for shelter or protection.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Where is the Thar Desert located?
- 2What is another name for the Thar Desert?
About this report passage for Upper Elementary
“Surviving the Sands of the Thar Desert” is a report reading passage about Desert Adaptations, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (485 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.