Q. Which of the following statements with regard to Continental Deserts is/are correct?
1.They are characterized by extreme distance from maritime moisture sources or placement on the leeward sides of massive mountain ranges.
2.The Sahara and Kalahari deserts serve as the primary global type-specimens for these low-altitude continental interiors.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Continental deserts (cold-winter deserts) form either due to continentality (being located deep within the heart of a giant landmass where maritime winds lose all moisture before arrival) or via the rain-shadow effect on the leeward side of mountains.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The Gobi Desert (Central Asia) and the Taklamakan/Tibet region are classic continental/rain-shadow deserts. The Sahara and Kalahari are sub-tropical/trade-wind hot deserts.
