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How do scientists know that some places that had once been under water are now desert?
To be entirely fair to the scientists, it is usually the other way around, e.g. they know that some places that are now deserts used to be underwater. Scientists can determine this based on several different factors.
- Limestone: One of the clearest indicators that an area was historically underwater is layers of limestone. Limestone is formed from the parts of microscopic sea creatures called diatoms and some types of crustaceans that fall to the sea floor and are compacted over millions of years. In order to have significant amounts of limestone, therefore, these regions would need to be submerged for millions of years. Conversely, there are very few animals and microscopic organisms that leave behind the necessary materials to form limestone (never mind enough to compact earlier layers).
- Fossils: There are a number of different fossils of creatures that have been found in the desert and their appearances make it clear that that they would have been unable to live on land. Basilosaurus, the largest meat-eating whale in history, has been discovered in the Sahara Desert. Far more common to find are smaller creatures which are also clearly marine animals, like ammonites.
- Halite: Halite is crystallized salt and generally appear in areas that used to have saltwater that has since evaporated.
- Aquifers: Most deserts have water tables, but aquifers exist in some deserts, indicating amounts that previously seeped beneath the sands as the sea was drying up. Aquifers are only indicators, not substantial proof.
What else can I help you with?
Does algae grow in the desert?
Yes, algae can grow in the desert, typically in areas with water sources such as oases, rivers, or wetlands. Some desert algae species are adapted to extreme conditions like high temperatures and low water availability. These algae play important roles in desert ecosystems.
Plants live in or near the water?
plants can live in all sorts of places. in water like cattails or whatever you call those things, then there's flowers and desert plants too. they can live about anywhere
What are organisms that live in very dry places?
Some organisms that can thrive in very dry places are desert plants like cacti and succulents, animals like camels and desert tortoises, and certain insects like beetles and scorpions. These organisms have adapted strategies to conserve water and tolerate extreme heat and low humidity.
Does anyone live in the Sahara desert?
While the Sahara desert is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, there are some populations living in oasis towns and settlements scattered across the desert. These communities have adapted to the harsh desert environment through various means such as traditional knowledge of water conservation and agriculture.
How does the Sturt desert pea survive in the desert?
The Sturt desert pea survives in the desert by having deep roots that help it access water deep underground. Its thick, succulent leaves store water for times of drought, and its red flowers attract specific pollinators that aid in reproduction. Additionally, it has adapted to have a waxy coating on its leaves to reduce water loss through evaporation.
How do scientists know that some places that had once been under water are now deserts'?
Fossils of fish and other aquatic species have been found where the desert now is.
Was the Gobi desert a lake?
their would be because every desert has water the water might be under ground but it is still their.
What are watering places in the desert called?
An area in a desert with permanent water, such as a spring, is called an oasis.
What provided travelers water in the Sahara desert?
You have to bring your water with you when you go into the Sahara desert. However there are a few places which, if you know their location, do have fossil water (in an aquifer) present at the surface. These places are called oases.
What places in a desert were underground water comes to the surface?
An Oasis
Where do people in the gobi desert get water?
go to places that are colder
What planet is like a desert?
Mars. Or, at least, that is what the stereotype is, because scientists are finding water.
What is the desert walnut?
It is a rare walnut found in the Sahara desert. Many scientists believe that the plant has already extinct. But some years ago some scientists discovered it again. Its plant is extremely special , because it has roots that are about 3meters long. It uses the roots to reach the water deep under the sand. Sadly the "desert walnut" is poisonous and cannot be eaten. I hope I helped you!!! :)
What are some places that water is located in the desert?
In an oasis and in a cactus Underneath.
Where do animals get water in the desert besides from a cactus?
Sometimes under the ground depending on the animal or desert.
Places in a desert where underground water comes to the surface in a spring or well?
oasis
How do scorpians survive?
by the little bit of water found in the desert or other places
