This document provides an overview of desert landscapes. It discusses how deserts form through processes like denudation and erosion by wind. Desert landscapes are continuously evolving and being shaped by climate conditions. Plants and animals have adapted to the harsh desert environment. The document then discusses the Kalahari Desert as an example, noting its location in Southern Africa, hot temperatures, and vegetation. It covers how human activities like overgrazing can accelerate desertification. In conclusion, the desert is seen not just as a geographical feature but as a place of spiritual significance.

1. “The immediate objective of life in the desert was
purity of heart, we waited in the desert, waiting to see
God”- Larkin
A REVIEW OF DESERT LANDSCAPES.
BOIPELO MAETLA

2. Desert Landscapes Introduction
Left: Namib desert. Right : Desert. (edugeography.com)

3. INTRODUCTION
DESERT OVERVIEW
 A desert is a vast and dry area where conditions are
arid, there is moisture shortage and very high
temperatures.
 According to Goudie & Seely (2011), deserts can be
characterized by their proximity to the ocean, wind
processes, relief and geographical diversity.

4. Introduction
Kalahari desert
(kalaharidesert.net)

5. Desert Landscape Formation
 Denudation, tectonic plate lowering and escarpment
retreat are the factors INITIATING landform formation
(Moore & Larkin, 2001).
 Wind processes are an important element in landscape
formation as they transport sediment and erode existing
landforms, in the same breath, altering existing
landscapes (Haddon & McCarthy, 2005)

6. Desert Landscape Evolution
 The geomorphology of a landscape is largely influenced by the
dominant conditions in a desert i.e. relief, wind + solar action
and climatic conditions.
 Landscapes are continuously changing and evolving
 Today, climate change is the most eminent driver of landscape
alteration and sometimes unfortunately, degradation through the
persistence of high temperatures (promotes harsh environmental
conditions) (National Geographic, 2016).

7. Fauna and Vegetation
 Some plants and animals live and have adapted to the
harsh conditions of the desert.
 Plants like Xerophytes can survive in a water scarce
environment (e.g. shrubs, cactus, aloe, wild cucumbers).
 Plant and animal life can stimulate moisture in a desert
through evapotranspiration and carbon dioxide emission.

8. Fauna and Vegetation
Plants and animals in the desert (Goudie & Seely,
2011).

9. Southern African Example: Kalahari Desert
According to Thomas and Shaw (1991), the Kalahari
desert:
 Has summer heat peaking at 45 degrees Celsius and
winter heat as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
 Is found in the Northern and North West provinces in
South Africa but extends throughout southern Africa.
 Has arid and semi-arid characteristics.
 Is well vegetated with shrubs.

10. Location of the Kalahari Desert
Map showing the location of Kalahari desert (enviromap.com)

11. Kalahari desert
desert activity and vegetation.
Kalaharidesert.net

12. Human Impacts
 Environmental
Human activity accelerates the desertification of semi-arid land
(i.e. overgrazing and industrial developments) (Kalahari desert,
2016).
 Spiritual
The desert is known as a symbol that universalizes holiness,
emptiness of life and otherness of God (Larkin, 2002).
 Economical
Desert landscapes are a tourist attraction, and a geographers
playground.

13. Conclusion
 The desert is more than just a geographical phenomena,
it a place of harnessing harmony, and finding peace.

14. References
Desert activity. The Desert life of Africa. Available at :
edugeography.com/content/deserts.html. Accessed on [29 February 2016].
Desert pictures. Deserts Maps. Available at : enviromap.com. Accessed on [29
February 2016].
Goudie, A and Seely, M. 2011. World Heritage Desert Landscapes: Potential
Priorities for the Recognition of Desert Landscapes and Geomorphological Sites
on the world Heritage list. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.
Haddon, I.G and McCarthy, T.S. 2005. The Mesozoic-Cenozoic Interior Sag Basins
of Central Africa. J Afr Earth.
Larkin, E. 2002. Desert Spirituality. Review for Religions. Vol 61. Fortress Press.

15. References
Moore, A.E. and Larkin, P.A. 2001. Drainage Evolution in South Central Africa Since the
Break-up of Gondwanaland. S Geol.
National Geographic. Desert Threats. Available at :
environment.nationalgeographic/habitats/desertthreats.com. Accessed on [29
February 2016].
Thomas. D.S.G and Shaw, P.A. 1991. The Kalahari Environment. Cambridge University
Press. Cambridge.