Deserts form in regions where there is little rainfall, typically less than 10 inches annually. This lack of moisture can result from various factors, including high temperatures, rain shadow effects, and cold ocean currents. As a result, vegetation is sparse, and the landscape is often characterized by sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and dry lake beds. The process of desertification can also occur, where fertile land becomes desert due to factors like climate change, deforestation, and overgrazing. This transformation can lead to the loss of biodiversity and challenges for local communities that depend on the land for agriculture and resources.