~Desert Belt is along the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn

~Largest Desert in world-Sahara Desert of North Africa (area covered is about 3,250,000 square miles)

~Less than 10 inches of rain a year

~Hot in daytime, cool at night

~Cold ocean currents are related to desert formations

~Light colored clothes are worn to reflect the sun and keep us cooler

~Desert areas are being threatened by a rapid population growth

~Driest Desert - Atacama Desert of South America        (average yearly rainfall is .4 inches)

~Highest sand dune recorded is in the Sahara Desert-1410 feet high

~Animals adapt to the environment:

     Jackrabbit-has long ears to give off extra heat

     Kangaroo rat-gets water out of seeds

     Roadrunner-gets water from food

     Bobcat-hunts in the cool of night

     Side Winder-moves sideways to get a better grip on sandy soil

     Many animals eat cactus fruit

     Many animals are nocturnal

~Saguaro Cactus facts:

     Grows only in the Sonoran Desert in North America

     Tallest cactus recorded is in Arizona - it stands 57 feet 11 inches

     Weighs several ton

     Can live up to 200 years old

     Is a home for birds

     Blossoms open only once

     Fruit is sweet and pulp is enjoyed by all