Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 363

Cold desert-

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Think about the climate conditions that define a cold desert.

Correct Answer: A) Low temperature & Long winter season.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:
  • Low Temperatures: Cold deserts experience very low temperatures, often below freezing, especially during the winter months. This is due to their high-altitude location and the lack of moisture in the air, which allows for rapid heat loss at night.
  • Long Winter Season: The winter season in cold deserts is typically long and harsh, with extended periods of cold temperatures and snowfall. This is in contrast to hot deserts, which have short, mild winters.
  • Low Precipitation: Like all deserts, cold deserts receive very little precipitation. However, the precipitation that does occur is often in the form of snow rather than rain.
  • Unique Flora and Fauna: The flora and fauna in cold deserts are adapted to the extreme conditions. Plants may have thick, waxy coatings to prevent water loss, and animals may have thick fur or feathers to insulate against the cold.
  • Option Analysis:
    • Option A: This option is correct. Cold deserts are characterized by low temperatures and a long winter season, which is the defining feature of such regions.
    • Option B: This option is incorrect. High temperature and a long summer season are characteristics of hot deserts, not cold deserts.
    • Option C: This option is incorrect. High temperature and a long winter season do not align with the typical conditions of a cold desert, which is marked by low temperatures.
    • Option D: This option is incorrect. Low temperature and a long summer season do not accurately describe a cold desert, as the defining feature is the long winter season with low temperatures.

    Mnemonic: Cold Deserts: Low & Long

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