Which are the chief characteristics of the Rajasthan desert?
(A) Very high aridity (B) Extremes of temperature (C) Low average annual rainfall (D) Poor and scanty vegetation cover
Options:

Correct option is D

Ans. (d)
The Rajasthan Desert (Thar Desert) exhibits all four characteristics mentioned in the question:
1. Very High Aridity (A):
· The Thar Desert is known for extreme dryness, with high evaporation rates exceeding precipitation.
· The aridity index is very high, making it one of the driest regions in India.
2. Extremes of Temperature (B):
· The desert experiences extreme temperatures:
· Summers: Temperatures rise above 50°C.
· Winters: Temperatures drop below 0°C in some areas.
· The lack of moisture in the air leads to high diurnal temperature variation.
3. Low Average Annual Rainfall (C):
· The average annual rainfall is less than 250 mm.
· Most rainfall comes from the Southwest Monsoon, but winds weaken over Rajasthan, causing very little precipitation.
4. Poor and Scanty Vegetation Cover (D):
· Due to low rainfall and arid soil, vegetation is sparse.
· The region has xerophytic plants like cacti, thorny bushes, and shrubs.
· The Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) is one of the few trees that survive in this harsh environment.
Information Booster
· The Thar Desert is the 17th largest desert in the world and the 9th largest subtropical desert.
· It spreads across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, with 60% of it in Rajasthan.
· Annual evaporation rate is higher than annual rainfall, worsening desertification.
· Sand dunes and barren landscapes dominate the region.
· Major rivers like Luni have a seasonal flow, making water availability scarce.
Additional Knowledge
1. Very High Aridity – Correct
· Aridity is due to high temperatures, low moisture, and strong winds.
2. Extremes of Temperature – Correct
· Summers are extremely hot; winters are cold and dry.
· The temperature difference between day and night is very high.
3. Low Average Annual Rainfall – Correct
· The Thar Desert receives less than 250 mm of rainfall annually.
· Rain is scattered and highly unpredictable.
4. Poor and Scanty Vegetation Cover – Correct
· Vegetation is limited to drought-resistant species.
· Thorny bushes, cactus, and small shrubs dominate the landscape.