Why Deserts Are So Dry
Why Deserts Are So Dry
Have you ever wondered why some places on Earth are deserts? Deserts are known for being very dry, but why does it hardly ever rain there? Let's explore the reasons!
Rain Shadows
One big reason is something called a 'rain shadow.' Imagine a tall mountain range. When clouds full of rain try to cross over the mountains, they have to go up high. As the clouds rise, they get colder, and the cold air can't hold as much water. So, the clouds drop their rain on the side of the mountain facing the wind. By the time the clouds get to the other side of the mountain, they don't have much rain left. This dry area on the far side of the mountains is called a rain shadow, and it's often a desert.
Global Air Circulation
- Rain Shadow:
- A dry area on the side of a mountain away from the wind.
- Equator:
- The line around the middle of the Earth.
- Latitude:
- The distance north or south of the equator.
- Air Circulation:
- How air moves around the Earth.
- moisture:
- Small amounts of water or wetness spread through the air or ground.
- inland:
- Located far away from the ocean, deep inside a continent or large area of land.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is a rain shadow?
- 2How do mountains contribute to the formation of deserts?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Why Deserts Are So Dry” is a informational reading passage about Deserts, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (355 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.