What is characteristic of the Arabian deserts and where are they located?

The Arabian deserts are a common name for a desert complex, which is located on the peninsula of the same name. This natural zone is located in the territories of all countries that are on the peninsula, and also captures the corners of some continental powers. Different names are given to local deserts by local residents, and in the understanding of Western people all this is a single zone, covered with practically impenetrable sands, which are roasted every day under the scorching sun.

Geographical position

To begin with, we will consider in what part of the world and in what climatic zone the Arabian Peninsula is located. The map shows that these lands are located in the tropical zone, and in the north they start at about 30-degree parallel. The area of the peninsula is 3.25 million square kilometers, and its outlines are very straightforward. For this reason, there are very few convenient bays here, which makes it impossible for many countries (with the exception of the UAE) to organize a tourist business here. From the geological point of view, the Arabian desert on the map occupies its own separate plate of the same name. However, earlier this tectonic rock was part of Africa, which is clearly visible in the similar climatic and geological features of these two areas.

The Sea Question

Now we will consider, what seas the Arabian peninsula is washed by the gulfs . The map of this area does not abound with names, since there are very few bays here. Basically, all the adjacent seas to this part of the world are formed by the nearby continents - Eurasia and Africa, as well as islands that are nearby. So, the east of the peninsula is washed by the Persian and Omani gulfs. The south is bathed in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The western coast of Arabia is washed by the Red Sea, where the water border with Egypt runs. In the north, this desert zone passes into the mainland.

Climatic conditions

In their weather conditions the Arabian deserts differ little from each other. The average amount of precipitation, which falls on the peninsula in a year is 100 mm. It should be noted that in the zones closer to the mountains, this number grows to 500-600 mm, and up to 200 mm increases where the sands approach the sea gulfs. In summer, the average daily temperature here is about 45-50 degrees, at night it falls to 15 Celsius. In winter, in some regions, even in the daytime, the thermometer does not rise above 15, and at night, frosts occur. Those deserts that lie in the more southerly tropics, even in January, warm up to 35 degrees.

Political situation

All countries of the Arabian Peninsula are completely or partially located in a desert zone. Among such political units are the following: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. All of them have access to the sea, and some of them (Bahrain and Kuwait) are located on the islands. As for the division of the peninsula into deserts, which is accepted by local residents, it consists of seven units. The largest desert here is called Rub-al-Khali, and it occupies the entire south of Saudi Arabia, the northern parts of Oman and Yemen, and the west of the UAE. It is followed by Deshna desert, which is located in the heart of Saudi Arabia. This natural zone abounds in oases, as it extends along the bed of a dried up river, where, according to scientists, underground sources still exist. The Arabian deserts of Tihama and the Great Nehud are in the South and North of the peninsula, respectively. In the first one you can find low mountains, and also it goes to the shores of the Red Sea, which makes it not very arid. Big Nefud is a zone of red sand. The most windy point of the peninsula, which also traces very sharp diurnal temperature jumps. All other deserts of the Arabian Peninsula are quite small in their area and do not have an individual landscape.

The largest plain in the region

Rub al-Khali, as we have already discovered, is the most extensive desert-type natural zone in the Arabian lands. This desert is located on a plateau that rises above sea level by 500 meters with a gradual descent to the south. Almost all the other Arabian deserts are adjacent to this main one, because their flora, fauna and relief are very similar. The whole territory, which occupies more than 500,000 square meters. Km, is covered by numerous varieties of sand. In the south they pass into solonchaks, which indicates the proximity of the sea. The terrain is absolutely lifeless, there are no insects or reptiles. Rub-al-Khali is a bright representative of aeolian relief types. There are both single dunes and barkhans, which form long ridges, stretching for hundreds of meters or even kilometers. It is also remarkable that on these lands quicksand white sands can be found.

Fauna of this light

In principle, the Arabian desert on the map is located in a very profitable region for living. However, any species of mammals (except three) are absent here because nature did not reward the region with precipitation, the necessary amount of moisture and did not protect it from strong winds. Among those "brave" people who live in the desert, we call the wolf, sand fox and ferrets. In the northern regions of the peninsula, where many herbaceous plants, you can meet ungulates and rodents. In the sand zone there are numerous reptiles - lizards and snakes - all poisonous. At night, tarantulas and tarantulas are activated, as well as other insects that live in the sand. Over the barkhans, many birds soar. These are larks, sparrows, ryabki, eagles and kozodoi, as well as several other species of birds.