When people imagine a desert, they tend to picture endless stretches of sand. But in reality, they are among the most diverse and fascinating ecosystems on the planet. By definition, a desert is any vast place on Earth where there is a scarcity of precipitation.
These arid environments exist in many forms. But despite their inhospitable reputations, deserts are home to remarkable creatures and some of the most dramatic landscapes. Interestingly, Europe is the only continent on the planet that does not have any big desert, although it does feature small desert-like areas.
So, which parts of our world are home to the biggest deserts? And why is the climate in these areas so dry? Click through this gallery to find out.