The Atacama Desert (Deserts Around the World) - Softcover

Peppas, Lynn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0778707172 ISBN 13: 9780778707172

Publisher: Crabtree Classics, 2012

Synopsis

This fascinating book describes the geological makeup and history of the Atacama Desert in Chile. One of the driest areas of the world - some parts never receive any rain - the desert's climate can be cold, sometimes producing snow and fog. Readers will be fascinated to learn that the Atacama's soil is so similar to soil samples from Mars that NASA goes to this desert to test its exploration instruments. NASA has also set up its Earth-Mars Cave Detection Program in the Atacama, too. Special sections also describe the desert's natural resources and unique problems facing this region, as well as the people, plants, and animals that inhabit this desert habitat.

About this title

Reviews

Gr 3-7-These books are clearly written, comprehensive, and ideal for reports. Each one opens with a map showing the area covered by the desert and concludes with a map of the world's deserts. The maps and full-color photos enhance the texts and have informative captions. Readers will enjoy learning about the various animals that live in these unusual climates. For example, in the Kalahari Desert, springbok typically graze at night, but if they "do feed during the daytime, they face away from the sun. Doing so allows their white bottoms to reflect the heat." Additional subjects include the history and current status of human inhabitants, plant life, the terrain, natural resources, and ways the desert may be at risk. The concisely written texts will be valuable to report writers.-Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, ALα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Crabtree Classics
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0778707172
• ISBN 13: 9780778707172
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32