What desert is the largest hot desert in the world?

Study for the NAQT Geography Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your geography exam!

The Sahara Desert is recognized as the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles) across North Africa. Its vast expanse includes a variety of landscapes, such as sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and salt flats, making it a prominent geographical feature renowned for its extreme conditions and large temperature variations. The Sahara's classification as a hot desert is based on its high average temperatures and low annual rainfall, which are characteristic of deserts.

In contrast, the Arabian Desert, while also large and hot, is smaller than the Sahara. The Gobi Desert is classified as a cold desert, primarily located in northern China and southern Mongolia, and thus does not fit the criteria of being a hot desert. The Kalahari Desert, located in Southern Africa, is also a semi-arid region that is not as extensive as the Sahara. Therefore, the Sahara's size and climate establish it firmly as the largest hot desert in the world.

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