Desertic vs. Desert — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 8, 2024
Desertic relates to desert-like conditions, focusing on aridity and barren landscapes, while a desert is a specific biome characterized by low precipitation and sparse vegetation.
Difference Between Desertic and Desert
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Key Differences
Desertic refers to environments or conditions that are similar to those found in a desert, typically characterized by dryness, barren landscapes, and extreme temperature variations, whereas a desert is a specific type of ecosystem or biome defined by its extremely low precipitation levels, often resulting in sparse vegetation and a unique array of flora and fauna adapted to survive in such conditions. Desertic can describe aspects outside actual deserts, such as desertic climate or soil, indicating similarity to desert environments.
While desertic conditions can be temporary or influenced by human activities, such as desertification, a desert is a naturally occurring area that has evolved over millennia. Desertic conditions might affect regions not traditionally classified as deserts, highlighting the impact of arid conditions on soil, vegetation, and water availability, whereas a desert is recognized for its longstanding ecological equilibrium, despite the harsh living conditions.
The term desertic is often used to describe areas that exhibit some characteristics of a desert environment, such as aridity and lack of vegetation, without necessarily being located in a desert biome. On the other hand, deserts are well-defined geographical areas that cover about one-fifth of Earth’s surface, characterized by specific climatic conditions and ecosystems.
Desertic conditions may arise or be observed in places due to various factors including climate change, overuse of natural resources, or agricultural practices leading to soil degradation. In contrast, deserts are established biomes with a distinct set of living organisms and climatic patterns that have adapted over time to the extreme conditions, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of nature.
The usage of "desertic" is primarily descriptive, focusing on conditions or qualities reminiscent of a desert, such as dryness and sparse vegetation, while "desert" refers to a specific ecological region. The distinction highlights the broad applicability of desertic to describe scenarios or conditions beyond the confines of actual desert regions, while the term desert is tied to specific geographic and ecological criteria.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to desert-like conditions or qualities
A biome characterized by very low rainfall and sparse life
Focus
Conditions similar to deserts, like aridity
Specific ecosystem with low precipitation, unique flora/fauna
Use
Descriptive, can apply to non-desert areas
Geographical, refers to specific regions
Associated Factors
Can result from natural or human-induced changes
Natural ecosystems with long-term ecological stability
Key Characteristics
Aridity, barren landscapes, potential for extreme temps
Low precipitation, sparse vegetation, extreme temperatures
Compare with Definitions
Desertic
These areas often feature barren landscapes with minimal vegetation.
The desertic region was home to only the hardiest of plants.
Desert
A desert is defined by its extremely low levels of rainfall, making it one of Earth's driest biomes.
The Sahara Desert is one of the largest and driest deserts on Earth.
Desertic
Desertic conditions can include extreme temperature variations between day and night.
Daytime temperatures in the desertic area soared, while nights were frigid.
Desert
Deserts are known for their sparse vegetation and specialized plants adapted to arid conditions.
Cacti and succulents thrive in the desert’s harsh environment.
Desertic
Desertic environments are characterized by dryness and a lack of moisture.
The desertic landscape stretched for miles, devoid of water.
Desert
Despite harsh conditions, deserts have unique ecosystems with a variety of adapted species.
The desert ecosystem includes species like the fennec fox, adapted to its environment.
Desertic
Desertic conditions can be exacerbated by human activities leading to desertification.
Overgrazing and deforestation have led to increasingly desertic conditions in the area.
Desert
Deserts are specific geographical regions defined by climatic conditions.
The Gobi Desert spans several countries in Asia, characterized by its cold climate.
Desertic
Soil in desertic environments is often sandy and poor in nutrients.
The desertic soil was unsuitable for traditional farming methods.
Desert
Deserts typically have very low humidity and high temperature variations.
The desert climate is marked by hot days and significantly cooler nights.
Desertic
Of or pertaining to a desert or deserts
Desert
A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to the processes of denudation.
Desert
Abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous
We feel our public representatives have deserted us
Desert
A waterless, desolate area of land with little or no vegetation, typically one covered with sand
The desert of the Sinai peninsula is a harsh place
Drought and deforestation are turning fragile grasslands into desert
Desert
A flock of lapwings
A desert of lapwings rises from a ploughed field
Desert
Like a desert
Overgrazing has created desert conditions
Desert
A dry, often sandy region of little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation.
Desert
A region of permanent cold that is largely or entirely devoid of life.
Desert
An apparently lifeless area of water.
Desert
An empty or forsaken place; a wasteland
A cultural desert.
Desert
(Archaic) A wild and uninhabited region.
Desert
Often deserts Something that is deserved or merited, especially a punishment
They got their just deserts when the scheme was finally uncovered.
Desert
The state or fact of deserving reward or punishment.
Desert
Of, relating to, characteristic of, or inhabiting a desert
Desert fauna.
Desert
Wild and uninhabited
A desert island.
Desert
To leave empty or alone; abandon.
Desert
To withdraw from, especially in spite of a responsibility or duty; forsake
Deserted her friend in a time of need.
Desert
To abandon (a military post, for example) in violation of orders or an oath.
Desert
To forsake one's duty or post, especially to be absent without leave from the armed forces with no intention of returning.
Desert
That which is deserved or merited; a just punishment or reward.
Desert
A barren area of land or desolate terrain, especially one with little water or vegetation; a wasteland.
Desert
(figuratively) Any barren place or situation.
Desert
Usually of a place: abandoned, deserted, or uninhabited.
They were marooned on a desert island in the Pacific.
Desert
To leave (anything that depends on one's presence to survive, exist, or succeed), especially when contrary to a promise or obligation; to abandon; to forsake.
You can't just drive off and desert me here, in the middle of nowhere.
Desert
To leave one's duty or post, especially to leave a military or naval unit without permission.
Anyone found deserting will be punished.
Desert
That which is deserved; the reward or the punishment justly due; claim to recompense, usually in a good sense; right to reward; merit.
According to their deserts will I judge them.
Andronicus, surnamed PiusFor many good and great deserts to Rome.
His reputation falls far below his desert.
Desert
A deserted or forsaken region; a barren tract incapable of supporting population, as the vast sand plains of Asia and Africa which are destitute of moisture and vegetation.
A dreary desert and a gloomy waste.
Desert
A tract, which may be capable of sustaining a population, but has been left unoccupied and uncultivated; a wilderness; a solitary place.
He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.
Before her extendedDreary and vast and silent, the desert of life.
Desert
Of or pertaining to a desert; forsaken; without life or cultivation; unproductive; waste; barren; wild; desolate; solitary; as, they landed on a desert island.
He . . . went aside privately into a desert place.
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
Desert
To leave (especially something which one should stay by and support); to leave in the lurch; to abandon; to forsake; - implying blame, except sometimes when used of localities; as, to desert a friend, a principle, a cause, one's country.
Desert
To abandon (the service) without leave; to forsake in violation of duty; to abscond from; as, to desert the army; to desert one's colors.
Desert
To abandon a service without leave; to quit military service without permission, before the expiration of one's term; to abscond.
The soldiers . . . deserted in numbers.
Desert
An arid region with little or no vegetation
Desert
Leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch;
The mother deserted her children
Desert
Desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army;
If soldiers deserted Hitler's army, they were shot
Desert
Located in a dismal or remote area; desolate;
A desert island
A godforsaken wilderness crossroads
A wild stretch of land
Waste places
Common Curiosities
Do deserts have any precipitation?
Yes, deserts do receive some precipitation, but it is very low and infrequent, typically less than 250 mm (10 inches) per year.
How is a desert defined?
A desert is defined as a large, dry biome with very low precipitation, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperature variations.
How do desertic conditions affect agriculture?
Desertic conditions make agriculture challenging due to the lack of water and fertile soil.
Can deserts be found in all continents?
Yes, deserts can be found on all continents, including Antarctica.
Can an area become more desertic without being a desert?
Yes, areas can exhibit desertic qualities, such as increased aridity and loss of vegetation, without being classified as deserts, often due to human activities or climate change.
How do plants and animals survive in deserts?
Plants and animals in deserts have adapted to survive the harsh conditions through various strategies, such as water storage, nocturnal lifestyles, and deep root systems.
What does desertic mean?
Desertic refers to conditions or qualities that are similar to those found in deserts, particularly aridity and barrenness.
What are common features of desertic conditions?
Common features include dryness, sparse or no vegetation, and potentially extreme temperatures.
Why are deserts important to the ecosystem?
Deserts play a crucial role in the ecosystem by hosting unique biodiversity and influencing global climate patterns.
Can desertification be reversed?
In some cases, desertification can be reversed or mitigated through sustainable land management practices and reforestation efforts.
Is desertic a negative term?
While desertic can describe challenging living conditions, it is not inherently negative and depends on the context of use.
What human activities contribute to desertification?
Overgrazing, deforestation, and improper water usage are key human activities that contribute to desertification.
Are all deserts hot?
No, not all deserts are hot. Some, like the Gobi Desert, experience cold winters.
What is the largest desert in the world?
The Antarctic Desert is the largest desert, covering an area of over 14 million square kilometers.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
