Which of the following is not a characteristic of desert soils (aridisols)? a. accumulation of minerals b. little organic matter c. sparse vegetation d. none of the above

Answer:

d. none of the above

Explanation:

The desert is a very frequent bioclimatic landscape on the earth's surface, characterized by its very low rainfall and low presence of fauna and flora, given the low humidity levels. Although the traditional image of the sandy desert refers to warm and equatorial climates, the truth is that they also count as deserts those located on the Arctic plateau or in the tundra.

The deserts are the product of different erosion processes, such as wind (given its high presence of winds that even form sandstorms) or the impact of solar radiation. The degree of intensity of these factors will depend on many desert characteristics, such as the type of sand formed or the nature of the soil.

Desert vegetation is, in principle, scarce, given the very low humidity margins. The one that exists has adapted to resist such adverse conditions, and it is usually xerophilous vegetation, with a predominance of spiny and resistant plants, such as the cactus, as well as weeds and, at best, small shrubs height.

Contrary to what is thought, there is a well-defined but very scarce desert ecosystem, although adapted to such an adverse environment and focused on the preservation of body moisture. Perhaps this is why reptiles (such as snakes), insects (ants, beetles) and arachnids (scorpions, spiders) abound.

Revealed by erosion and protected from moisture, in the deserts there are numerous mineral resources, such as oil basins (especially in the Middle East) or heavy metals.

Desert sand, also, is usually rich in calcareous elements and salts, so salt is often found in desert areas, such as in the Uyuni region of Bolivia. This type of desert drains the humidity of the environment even more, thus feeding back its aridity.