INDIAN DESERTS
Published on 31 Jan 2025
India is home to a variety of deserts, each with its own unique characteristics and landscapes. India’s major desert regions include the Thar Desert in the northwest, the Kutch Desert in the western part of the country, and the cold desert of Ladakh.
Formation of Indian deserts
Tectonic origin: Tethys Sea which covered much of the Indian continent retreated following its collision with the Eurasian plate, this resulted in the retreat of the sea leaving behind a vast expanse of sediments.
Example: Formation of Thar desert
Rain shadow effect: Aridity and lack of humidity caused by barriers like mountains
Example: Aravalli as a barrier against monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal causing Thar desert formation; Himalayas as barrier leading to the formation of Ladakh cold desert.
Climate Effect: Formation of desert and dry pans because of evaporation
Example: Kutch Desert formation due to high evaporation leaving large salt pans
Characteristics and features of Indian deserts
Temperature: Extreme temperatures, with scorching hot summers and relatively cool winters
Example: Extremely hot Thar in western India and the ice-cold desert of Ladakh
Sand Dunes: Vast stretches of sand dunes, some of which are mobile due to wind action.
Example: Prominent dune types include barchans and longitudinal dunes.
Water Scarcity: Low annual rainfall, leads to water scarcity. Traditional water conservation methods are employed.
Example: Taanka or Paar in Rajasthan, Zing in Ladakh
Sparse vegetation: Vegetation is sparse, with hardy plants adapted to extreme temperatures and arid conditions.
Example: Cactus in RJ
Presence of salt lakes and pans: Presence of salty rivers and lakes
Example: Luni River in Thar, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri in Ladakh
Classification of Indian deserts
Indian deserts can be classified based on their geographical locations and predominant climatic characteristics. The two main types of deserts in India are hot deserts and cold deserts.
Significance of Indian deserts
Natural barriers: They act as natural barriers separating ecosystems and territories.
Example: Thar desert as a natural barrier between India and Pakistan
Biodiversity conservation: Indian deserts harbour a number of threatened and endangered species.
Example: Snow Leopards of Ladakh, Great Indian Bustard in Thar etc
Agriculture and animal husbandry: suitable for dry land agriculture and animal rearing.
Example: Pearl millet in RJ and Camel rearing
Mineral resources: Contains stones, metallic and non-metallic minerals.
Example: Thar desert contains marble, used in construction; phosphorite used in fertiliser and chemicals; feldspar, used in ceramics
Solar energy potential: The vast expanse of the deserts makes it a potential hotspot for harnessing solar energy.
Example: Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan