What characterizes a desert?

A desert is characterized by having little or no rainfall, which leads to arid conditions and limited vegetation. This distinct lack of precipitation is what primarily defines a desert ecosystem. Deserts can have various temperatures, ranging from hot deserts like the Sahara to cold deserts like the Gobi, but the common factor is their overall dryness and water scarcity.

Regions with significant annual rainfall contribute to different types of ecosystems, often lush and fertile in comparison to deserts. Urbanization typically refers to areas that have been developed for housing, commerce, and infrastructure, which does not align with the natural characteristics of a desert. Similarly, mountainous terrain with high humidity suggests a different climate influence, often leading to diverse ecosystems that are quite the opposite of the dry, barren landscape associated with deserts. Thus, the defining characteristic that truly encapsulates what a desert is can be succinctly captured by the concept of minimal rainfall.