Cold deserts are those deserts where main source of water is snow. They are also called temperate deserts. These are located at a higher altitude and have dry environment. The dry atmosphere is due to the presence of high mountains between the coastal region and the desert zone. The Gobi desert in Mongolia is a classic example of a cold plateau desert. The temperature difference between summer (32°C) and winter (–4°C) in Gobi desert is significant. This desert has very few sand-dunes and is mostly flat plain with a thin stony covering.
Cold Desert
