Global Distribution of Hot Deserts: Latitudes and Major Examples

Hot deserts are primarily found in two latitudinal bands between 15° and 30° north and south of the Equator. This positioning places them under the descending air of the subtropical high-pressure belts, resulting in arid conditions.

Major Hot Deserts by Continent

• Africa: Sahara (largest hot desert), Kalahari, Namib.
• Asia: Arabian Desert, Thar Desert, Dasht-e Lut (Iran).
• Australia: Great Victoria Desert, Simpson Desert, Gibson Desert (collectively the Australian Outback).
• North America: Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert.
• South America: Atacama Desert (coastal, hyper-arid), Patagonian Desert (cold desert, but included in arid zones).

Europe is the only continent without a hot desert, though semi-arid areas exist in southeastern Spain.

These deserts share characteristics: low precipitation, high evaporation, extreme temperature swings, and specialized ecosystems.