Semiarida

Semiarida is not a standard term in contemporary English-language science. It may appear as a Latinized or gendered variant of semiarid, or in non-English texts, but there is no widely recognized scientific concept or taxon by this exact spelling. In English, the corresponding and most common form is semiarid.

In climate science, semiarid regions are characterized by low annual precipitation and high potential evapotranspiration, resulting in a persistent water deficit. They occupy transitional zones between deserts and more temperate or humid regions. In the Köppen climate classification, semiarid climates are designated as BSh (hot semiarid) and BSk (cold semiarid). Precipitation in these zones is often seasonal, with a distinct wet season that may be unreliable from year to year. Temperature ranges can be large, contributing to water stress for vegetation.

Ecologically, semiarid areas support drought-tolerant vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees adapted to limited water availability. Soils tend to be shallow, rocky, or sandy, often prone to erosion under drought, overcultivation, or overgrazing. The regions host a variety of wildlife adapted to aridity and seasonal resource scarcity. Human use frequently involves pastoralism and rainfed agriculture, making communities vulnerable to drought and climate variability. Sustainable management—such as water conservation, soil stabilization, and sustainable grazing—aims to preserve ecosystem services, reduce erosion, and enhance resilience to climate fluctuations.