alpine desert

An alpine desert is a type of cold desert found at high elevations in temperate regions. These arid areas receive minimal precipitation, primarily as snow or fog, with an annual average often below 25 cm (9.8 inches). Alpine deserts are characterized by colder temperatures than deserts in tropical climates, especially during winter.1

Vegetation in alpine deserts, such as shrubs and grasses, has adaptations to survive the dry, frigid conditions. Animals also exhibit adaptations for survival in these harsh environments. Examples of cold deserts include the Gobi Desert, the Great Basin Desert in the United States, and Patagonia in South America. Polar deserts, a subtype of cold deserts, are found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and have extremely low temperatures and limited liquid water, supporting very few plants and animals.1