Cold Deserts: Characteristics, Identification and Management of Species | Forestry Optional for UPSC IFS Category

What are Cold Deserts?

Cold deserts are vast arid regions characterized by minimal annual precipitation, often in the form of snow or fog, typically less than 25 cm (9.8 inches) annually.

Cold deserts experience extreme temperature variations, with cold winters and hot summers, making them distinct from deserts in tropical and subtropical regions.

1. Meteorological Definition:

A cold desert is a region characterized by low precipitation levels and extremely cold temperatures, resulting in a harsh and arid environment.

 Koppen defined cold deserts as regions with a desert climate characterized by low precipitation and high evaporation rates. (BWk or BWn in the Koppen climate classification).

2. Ecological Definition:

Cold deserts are ecosystems found in cold, arid regions where plants and animals have adapted to survive in harsh conditions.

Frank G. Hawksley described cold deserts as regions where flora and fauna have evolved unique adaptations to cope with limited water resources and extreme temperatures.

3. Geographical Definition:

Cold deserts are geographical areas with specific climate characteristics, often located at higher latitudes or elevations.

Geographer Yi-Fu Tuan categorized cold deserts as regions in the polar and subpolar zones where precipitation is scarce due to the rain shadow effect and polar climate conditions.

Origin of Cold Deserts

1. Geographical Location:

Cold deserts are typically found at higher latitudes and elevations, away from oceans and major moisture sources.

They are often located in the rain shadow of mountain ranges, where moist air masses are blocked by mountains, causing dry conditions on the leeward side.

2. Atmospheric Conditions:

Cold deserts are characterized by their cold temperatures, which result from their high elevation and latitude.

The cold air in these regions holds less moisture, contributing to the arid climate.

3. Precipitation Patterns:

Precipitation in cold deserts is limited and mainly occurs in the form of snow during the winter months.

Summers are often dry, with occasional fog or dew providing some moisture.

4. Rain Shadow Effect:

One major factor contributing to the formation of cold deserts is the rain shadow effect.

Mountains act as barriers to moisture-laden air masses, causing dry air to descend on the leeward side, leading to arid conditions.

5. Distance from Water Bodies:

The distance from large bodies of water, such as oceans, can play a role in the arid nature of cold deserts, as they receive limited moisture from these sources.

6. Topography:

The topography of a region can play a significant role. 

Low-lying areas and basins may trap cold air, leading to temperature extremes and reduced moisture retention.

Classifications of Cold Deserts:

1. Polar Deserts:

Located near the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic).

Extremely cold temperatures, with average annual temperatures well below freezing.

Precipitation is minimal and mainly in the form of snow.

Notable examples: Antarctica (Antarctic Desert) and parts of the Arctic (Arctic Desert).

2. Mid-Latitude Cold Deserts:

Found at mid-latitudes, often in rain shadow areas behind mountain ranges.

Winters are cold, and summers are relatively cool.

Limited precipitation, with most falling during winter.

Examples include the Gobi Desert in Asia and the Great Basin Desert in North America.

3. Alpine Deserts:

Located at high elevations in mountainous regions.

Experience cold temperatures year-round.

Precipitation is limited, with much of it falling as snow.

Plants and animals are adapted to the alpine environment.

Examples include the Atacama Desert in the Andes Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau in Asia.

4. Cold Coastal Deserts:

Found along the coastlines of cold ocean currents.

Experience cold, foggy conditions with little rainfall.

Characterized by unique coastal ecosystems.

The Namib Desert in Africa is an example of a cold coastal desert.

5. Cold Steppe Regions:

Transitional zones between cold deserts and more humid climates.

Receive slightly more precipitation than true cold deserts.

Vegetation includes grasslands and shrubs.

The Trans-Himalayas in Asia can be classified as cold steppe regions.