The primary source of rain in the Sahara is the equatorial low a continuous belt of low-pressure systems near the equator which bring the brief, short and irregular rainy season to the Sahel and the southern Sahara. The Sahara doesn't lack precipitation because of a lack of moisture, but due to the lack of a precipitation-generating mechanism. Rainfall in this giant desert has to overcome the physical and atmospheric barriers that normally prevent the production of precipitation. The harsh climate of the Sahara is characterized by extremely low, unreliable, highly erratic rainfall; extremely high sunshine duration values; high temperatures year-round; negligible rates of relative humidity, a significant diurnal temperature variation and extremely high levels of potential evaporation which are the highest recorded worldwide. COUNT 4
QSN1 What is the primary source of rain in the Sahara? ANS1 low-pressure systems QSN2 What is the reason the Sahara lacks moisture? ANS2 lack of a precipitation-generating mechanism QSN3 What does the desert have to overcome? ANS3 barriers that normally prevent the production of precipitation QSN4 What is the temperature like year around in the desert? ANS4 high temperatures year-round