Deserts are typically located around the equator and in regions of Southwest North America, Central Asia, Central and West Australia, Southeast Africa, and along the west coast of Chile. They are characterized by hot, dry climates with little rainfall. Common desert plants include cacti, sagebrush, and grasses that have adapted to the extreme conditions. Primary succession in deserts begins with bacteria in sand dunes that create soil for plants to grow. Human activity such as oil drilling and development has negatively impacted desert environments, though more developed countries have greater ability to mitigate environmental damage.