The desert is a difficult place in which to live. Yet, 13 percent of the world's people live in desert habitats. Spectacular photography highlights this series about the world's major desert systems. Each title focuses on one desert, describing its topography, climate, plant and animal life, unique geographical features, human cultures, and the problems facing the region. The biggest hot desert on Earth, the Sahara Desert in North Africa covers parts of twelve countries-more area than the entire United States! The Sahara has oases scattered widely and sand dunes that can reach as high as 600 feet (182m). But the Sahara is expanding at an alarming rate. As desertification occurs, the few areas that can currently be used for farming become barren wastelands. The most environmental degradation is found in oases and other areas where there are small amounts of water available.

Have conservation efforts begun in time to help save the people and wildlife who depend on the Sahara? Book jacket.