Great Indian Desert: Climate, Vegetation and Characteristics

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a vast arid region between India and Pakistan, covering about 200,000 square kilometers. Most of it lies within India, primarily in Rajasthan, but it also extends into Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Sindh in Pakistan. Despite its harsh climate with low rainfall, the desert is rich in geological and natural wonders, including unique sand dunes, ephemeral rivers, and diverse wildlife.

An Overview of Great Indian Desert: The Thar

Thar Desert 

Also known as the Great Indian Desert, spans 200,000 km2, forming a natural boundary between India and Pakistan.

• It constitutes about 5% of India’s total geographical area.
• The 17th-largest desert globally and the 9th-largest hot subtropical desert.
• Area: About 85% of the desert lies within India, covering approximately 170,000 km2, primarily in the state of Rajasthan.
  • The desert extends into the states of Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana in India, as well as the Pakistani province of Sindh.
  • It is surrounded by the irrigated Indus River plain on its western side, the Punjab Plain to the north and northeast, the Aravalli Range to the southeast, and the Rann of Kachchh to the south.
• Location: Located northwest of the Aravali hills; Also known as Marusthali; undulating topography with longitudinal dunes, barchans and sandy plains. Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes.
• Climate: Average annual rainfall below 150 mm per year.
  • Winter: In January, the coldest month, the average low temperature fluctuates between 5 and 10 °C, with frost occurring frequently. 
  • Summer: Dust storms and winds that stir up dust, often reaching speeds of 87 to 93 miles (140 to 150 km) per hour, are typical during May and June.
    • Temperature: Touches 50 degrees Celsius during the summer months routinely.

• Geological Evidence: Believed to have been underwater during the Mesozoic era,
  • Evidence of which has been found in wood fossils in Aakal and marine deposits near Brahmsar near Jaisalmer (estimated to be 180 million years old).
  • Akal Wood Fossil Park: is a National Geological Monument of India located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
• Surface Features: While the underlying rock structure is an extension of the Peninsular plateau, 
  • surface features have been shaped by physical weathering and wind actions.
• Prominent Desert Features: include mushroom rocks, shifting dunes, and oases (primarily in the southern part).
  • Undulating sandy plains surrounded by sand dunes
  • Rivers: in the region are mostly ephemeral, with the Luni River being the largest in the region.
    • Some streams vanish into the sand and exhibit inland drainage by joining lakes or playas.
    • The Luni River is the primary river in the region, and crescent-shaped dunes called barchans are prevalent.
  • Lakes and Playas: have brackish water, a major source of salt production.
• Vegetation: The desert vegetation mainly consists of low-growing herbs and shrubs, with occasional drought-resistant trees scattered across the landscape, 
  • Example: Gum arabic acacia and euphorbia are commonly found on the hills. The khajri treeis prevalent throughout the plains.
  • It also supports 
• Biodiversity: Sparse grasslands, with low population density, provide habitats for blackbucks, chikara (gazelles), and various birds, francolins and quail. 
  • Migratory birds such as sand grouse, ducks, and geese are frequently seen in the area. 
  • The desert is also home to the endangered great bustard.
  • Various medicinal grasses and breeds of cattle, with camels serving as transportation.
• Utilization of Groundwater in the Desert: Despite water scarcity, the desert utilizes groundwater for domestic, agricultural, and energy needs, such as irrigation through projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Conclusion

• The Thar Desert, with its unique geological formations and diverse ecosystem, is a remarkable region despite its arid conditions. 
• From ancient wood fossils to shifting sand dunes and vital groundwater resources, the desert showcases nature’s resilience and adaptation. 
• With careful conservation efforts and sustainable use of resources, the desert can continue to support life and provide livelihoods for generations to come.

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