What is difference between deserts and semi deserts?

The key difference between deserts and semi-deserts lies in their precipitation levels and plant cover.

Here's a breakdown:

Deserts:

* Very low precipitation: Receive less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of rain per year. Some deserts, like the Atacama Desert in Chile, may receive almost no rain at all.

* Sparse vegetation: Due to the lack of water, deserts have limited plant life. Some adapted species, like cacti and succulents, thrive in the harsh conditions.

* High temperatures: Deserts are often associated with extreme heat, though some, like the Antarctic Desert, are extremely cold.

* Wide temperature fluctuations: Temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night, due to the lack of moisture to moderate temperatures.

Semi-deserts:

* Slightly higher precipitation: Receive between 10 and 20 inches (250-500 millimeters) of rainfall per year. This is still very low, but enough to support more plant life than deserts.

* More diverse vegetation: Semi-deserts feature grasses, shrubs, and some trees, creating a more diverse and abundant ecosystem.

* More moderate temperatures: They experience a wider range of temperatures than deserts, with more consistent precipitation.

Here's a simple analogy:

Think of a desert as a barren wasteland, while a semi-desert is a slightly more fertile and populated "oasis" within a larger desert.

Key Takeaways:

* Precipitation: The main difference is the amount of rainfall. Deserts are extremely dry, while semi-deserts receive a bit more rain.

* Vegetation: This directly impacts the plant life. Deserts have sparse vegetation, while semi-deserts have more variety and density.

* Temperatures: While both are generally hot, semi-deserts experience more moderate temperatures and less extreme fluctuations.