desers

Desers is not a term with a distinct, widely recognized meaning in major reference works. In most contexts, it is a misspelling or variation of "deserts," the arid landscapes that cover substantial portions of every continent. It may also appear as a proper noun in specific languages or as a place name, but such uses are not widely standardized.

Deserts are defined by aridity: most commonly, regions receiving less than about 250 millimeters (10 inches) of precipitation per year. They occur in hot and cold variants, and are characterized by low moisture availability, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures. Temperature ranges can be extreme, with scorching daytime heat and cold nights. Rainfall is rare and often comes in short, intense bursts.

Plant life is typically xerophytic, with features that reduce water loss, such as thick skin or leaves, and deep or widespread root systems. Animal life is often nocturnal or burrowing to avoid heat. Examples of desert adaptations include camels storing fat in humps, nocturnal rodents, and reptiles with efficient water use.

Deserts have supported civilizations and nomadic cultures for millennia. Water management, mining, and energy projects are common in desert regions. Desertification—loss of productive land caused by climate variation and human activity—poses environmental and social challenges.

See also: deserts, desertification, arid climates, oasis, xerophytes.