shkretëtira

Shkretëtira (Albanian for desert) refers to a broad category of arid landscapes characterized by very low precipitation and often extreme temperatures. Deserts occur on all continents and cover roughly one third of Earth’s land area. They are defined primarily by aridity rather than by the presence of sand, and their surfaces range from sandy dunes to rocky plateaus and gravel flats.

Deserts are classified into several types, including hot deserts (for example the Sahara and the Arabian Desert), cold deserts (such as the Gobi and parts of the Great Basin), coastal deserts (like the Atacama), and rain-shadow deserts formed behind mountain ranges. Climate in deserts can vary, but most share intense daytime heat or cold nights, strong winds, and highly variable conditions.

Precipitation is typically very scarce, often below 250 millimeters per year, with high evaporation rates. Vegetation is sparse and usually highly drought-tolerant, while animal life tends to be adapted for water conservation, nocturnal activity, or burrowing. Desert adaptations include water storage, reflective surfaces, and efficient heat management.

Human activities interact with deserts in complex ways. Overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change contribute to desertification, expanding arid areas and degrading soils. Deserts contain mineral resources and support nomadic or pastoral communities, scientific research on extremophile life and climate systems, and tourism in some regions. Conservation efforts aim to balance development with the preservation of fragile desert ecosystems.