Deserts can be hot and sandy, but they can also be freezing cold and strewn with rocks. In this book, you will find all you need to know about how deserts are formed and how they change, the special characteristics of desert wildlife and ecosystems, the extreme nature of desert weather, and how people use and abuse desert resources. 'Location files' are mini case studies that focus on places with a particular feature; 'People files' give potted biographies of famous explorers or discoverers; 'Fact Files' list amazing facts. This book is packed with information, facts and figures, and examples from all around the globe. Clear maps and diagrams extend the expertly-written text.