Kystørkenområder

Kystørkenområder, also known as coastal deserts, are arid or semi-arid regions located along the western coasts of continents in the subtropics. These deserts are characterized by very low rainfall, often less than 50 mm per year, and are influenced by cold ocean currents. The cold currents bring cool, moist air to the coastal areas, but this air often remains stable and does not readily release precipitation. Instead, it can lead to the formation of fog, which is a significant source of moisture for some desert flora and fauna.

The most prominent examples of kystørkenområder include the Atacama Desert in South America, the Namib Desert in Africa, and to a lesser extent, the coastal regions of Baja California in North America and parts of Western Australia. These environments typically experience extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, though coastal fog can moderate daytime temperatures near the shore.

Vegetation in kystørkenområder is sparse and highly adapted to drought conditions. Plants often have deep root systems, succulent leaves to store water, or a short life cycle that allows them to bloom and reproduce rapidly after infrequent rains. Many species rely on fog as their primary water source. Wildlife is also adapted to the harsh conditions, with many animals being nocturnal to avoid the heat and able to survive on minimal water intake.