Deserts, beyond their simple appearance, offer numerous advantages, whether in energetic, geological, ecological, economic or even cultural terms.
Energy resources.
Deserts represent great potential in energy resources. Large sunny spaces are ideal for the production of solar energy and solar thermal energy. Wind energy can also be developed there. We can thus exploit these resources to obtain electricity in a sustainable manner.
Biodiversity.
Contrary to popular belief, the biodiversity of deserts is rich and adapted to the extreme climate. Plants and animals have had to develop specific characteristics to be able to survive in these environments. Desert ecosystems are fascinating to study, but also to preserve. Depending on the deserts on earth, we find numerous species of cacti, succulent plants (aloe, agave, euphorbia), palm trees, date palms, cushion plants (edelweiss), halophytic plants (salicorn, marsh tamarisk), bulb plants (iris desert). Among the animals that live in deserts we find the camel, the dromedary, the fennec, the scorpion, the peregrine falcon, the spitting cobra, the kangaroo, the iguana.
Tourism.
The deserts offer a large number of spectacular landscapes and therefore attract tourists who seek adventure, a safari (long journey in Arabic). It is possible for tourists to be part of a caravan and cross several dozen kilometers on camels, walking with tourist guides. Tourists have the impression of being on another planet, in another world.
Mineral resources.
Deserts often have large mineral sources, such as oil, natural gas, phosphate, metallic minerals. These resources contribute to the economic development of these regions. It is easier to find meteoritic stones in deserts, they are often surrounded by pieces of glass (the sand having melted around them). Gypsum can be found in various forms, the most sought after being sand roses.
Seeding the oceans.
Deserts help fertilize the oceans. Deserts are an essential source of mineral dust. This dust is lifted by the wind and transported great distances to the oceans. These dusts act as aerosols, providing nutrients such as phosphorus and iron to marine ecosystems, once deposited in seawater using precipitation. The phytoplankton then has its growth which is favored. Phytoplankton are at the base of the marine food chain and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, ultimately contributing to climate regulation. This mineral dust also allows the formation of clouds and precipitation; water vapor will condense around these particles, forming cloud droplets.
Water conservation.
Deserts help regulate precipitation and therefore have an important role in the water cycle. They act as natural water reservoirs. Neighboring regions then have better access to fresh water.
Scientific Research.
Deserts are an ideal playground for scientific researchers who wish to expand their research in the fields of climatology, geology, biology and astronomy. The little humidity present in the air, the clear sky, and the absence of light pollution make deserts perfect for astronomical observation.
Culture and heritage.
Indigenous populations live in these deserts and have developed traditional lifestyles that are adapted to these environments. They are nomadic or semi-nomadic cultures with a rich cultural heritage, as well as artisanal, which deserves the attention of humanity, to be valued and preserved.
Deserts are therefore much more than inhospitable and arid expanses, they are also environments rich in biodiversity, natural resources, economic, scientific and cultural opportunities.
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