The unquestionable barrenness of a perpetual stretch of sand - yes, a ‘Desert’ - is not a very attractively visitable place for many. But often a stereotypical observation leads one to a mental state of obliviousness; this particular state then obviates the mind from noticing things that are unusually beautiful.
When we think of a ‘Desert’, our mind almost mechanically conjures up the prototype desert. We cannot imagine that there could be something different to expect, and if the situation is further affected by a lack of knowledge about the subject in question, then certainly the disliking consolidates.
So here is a fair chance to fix the problem. A desert, albeit a body of sand, can surprise a spectator with unknown facets about its appearance. Here are 5 deserts lying in different parts of the world that will flesh in your inchoate definition of a ‘Desert’.
1. The Sahara Desert
The Sahara desert covers a humongous expanse of the North Africa. Atmospheric conditions that are endemic to this place, resulted into the creation of a fine mosaic of valleys, dunes, flats, and sand seas. It is the largest hot desert in the world.
2. The Namib Desert
A very old desert, some recount it as perhaps the oldest, the Namib desert is beautiful. It spreads over Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, and stands true to its name - ‘Namib’, which means a ‘vast place’. In fact, there grows a host of flora and fauna that are exclusively endemic to this desert.
3. The Gobi Desert
Spanning over China and Mongolia including some very significant cities along the famous Silk Route, the Gobi desert is the largest of the deserts in Asia. In fact, it is actually still continuously expanding itself through the process of desertification. Another intriguing fact about this desert is that several important fossils were found here including the very first Dinosaur Egg.
4. The Rub’ al Khali Desert
This is the largest continuous sand desert in the world and is spread over the countries of United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. It is interesting to note that the name “Rub’ al Khali” in Arabic means ‘The Empty Quarter’. A part of the great Arabian Desert, the Rub’ al Khali also happens to be the richest site in the world in terms of its oil reserves, which was discovered under its sand dunes.
5. The Sonoran Desert
The North American countries of United States of America and Mexico share this one-of-its-kind desert. Although a desert, this immeasurable expanse receives bi-seasonal rainfall. This has conditioned the desert into a habitable place to support and sustain its flora compared to any other desert in the world. The flora in turn provides for the fauna that is exclusive to this desert.
So, which of these desert personalities has enticed you? Let’s plan your next trip to one of these places so that you can create your won experiences here. Let’s fly!
Author : Satarupa Hajra