Hot does climate affect soils in hot deserts?

The soil found in hot desserts is called aridisol.  In short the soil found in desserts are pooor in organic matter and rich in salts.

On of the main climatic factors affecting soil is the lack of rainfall.  Lack of moisture leads to thin soils as the weathering of the surrounding rock is slow.  The lack of rainfall limits the amount of vegetation that can grow which leads to very low amounts of organic matter in the soil.  Slow decompostiion (which is also a result of  sparse vegetation and low amounts of rain)  in the arid area also makes the organic content of the soil low .  Salt crusts  ,form on desert soils due to high temperatures and limited rainfall which lad to evapotranspiration exceeding precipiation and the upward movement on salts.

Answered by Janine A. Geography tutor

11269 Views

See similar Geography A Level tutors

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why some locations remain 'switched off' from globalisation


What do I need to remember from case studies and how do I use them in my answers?


To what extent is soil degradation an issue for humans? (introduction)


Outline the location of tropical rainforests and give a brief description of their climate (8 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences