Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A subtropical desert is a type of desert that is located in the subtropics, typically between 15 and 30 degrees latitude. It is characterized by hot temperatures, low rainfall, and sparse vegetation.
A period of abnormally low rainfall that leads to water scarcity and can contribute to the formation or expansion of deserts.
Xerophyte: Plants that are adapted to survive in arid environments like deserts by having specialized features such as thick waxy leaves or deep root systems.
Sand dunes: Large mounds or hills of sand formed by wind action in deserts.