The changing extent and distribution of hot deserts over the last 10,000 years
Hot deserts have not always covered the same areas they do today. Over the last 10,000 years, their boundaries have shifted — sometimes shrinking, sometimes expanding — due to natural changes in climate.
Real World
Rock art in the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau in Algeria depicts hippos, crocodiles and cattle herders, proving the Sahara supported lakes and grasslands around 7,000 years ago during the African Humid Period.
Exam Focus
When asked about desert distribution change, always link a named time period to a specific climatic mechanism such as orbital shifts.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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