Why Deserts are Absent from Major Eastern Coastlines Explained

🏜️Deserts are usually found around 30 degrees north and south in the subtropics.

🌊Humid Eastern coastlines, like those in the US, South America, and East Asia, receive consistent humid airflow from the tropics and nearby warm currents.

❄️Winter precipitation in these regions plays a role in recharging groundwater.

🌎The distribution of continents and oceans affects the occurrence of deserts.

⛰️Mountain ranges, like the Andes, can prevent humid air from reaching certain regions, resulting in drier conditions.

Why are deserts usually found around 30 degrees north and south in the subtropics?

—Deserts are usually found around 30 degrees north and south in the subtropics because of the intense rising air at the equator, which then sinks onto the adjacent subtropics, creating dry weather.

Why are major eastern coastlines more humid than the west?

—Major eastern coastlines, like those in the US, South America, and East Asia, are more humid due to the consistent humid airflow from the tropics and nearby warm currents. Winter precipitation also plays a role in recharging groundwater.

Do warm currents on the east coast contribute to the humid conditions?

—Yes, warm currents on the east coast contribute to the humid conditions because warmer water means more humidity.

Why do some regions with temperate latitudes, like Argentina, have drier conditions?

—Some regions with temperate latitudes, like Argentina, have drier conditions due to the orientation of the coastline and the presence of mountain ranges, like the Andes, which can prevent humid air from reaching those areas.

What role does winter precipitation play in these regions?

—Winter precipitation plays a role in recharging groundwater, ensuring that water is available in spring. It also contributes to the overall climate and agricultural productivity of these regions.

00:00Deserts are usually found around 30 degrees north and south in the subtropics.

01:14The Hadley cell is a heat-driven process that influences the distribution of deserts.

04:18Major eastern coastlines, like those in the US, South America, and East Asia, receive consistent humid airflow from the tropics and nearby warm currents.

05:38Winter precipitation in these regions plays a role in recharging groundwater.

06:58The orientation of the coastline and the presence of mountain ranges, like the Andes, can affect humidity in certain regions.

08:57Climate differences between east and west are just as important as differences north to south.

09:02For more in-depth information, check out the Casual Earth blog on Casual Earth with Dan Davis.

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