zoom_in Click to enlarge

Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert

▲ ▼

description Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert Overview

The Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert is a terrestrial ecoregion along the Atlantic coast of Western Sahara and Mauritania. The cold Canary Current helps produce frequent coastal fog and haze, supplying limited moisture to an otherwise arid landscape and supporting lichens, succulents, and shrubs. The ecoregion is defined by the meeting of desert land and Atlantic marine habitats, and its wildlife includes the Mediterranean monk seal.

help Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert FAQ

Where is the Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert?

The Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert lies along the Atlantic coast of Western Sahara and Mauritania. It is a terrestrial ecoregion within an otherwise very arid region.

Why does the Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert receive coastal fog?

The cold Canary Current cools the air along the Atlantic coast and helps produce frequent fog and haze. That moisture is important because rainfall is scarce.

What plants can survive in the Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert?

Lichens and succulent plants can survive in parts of the ecoregion. They take advantage of the limited moisture supplied by coastal fog and haze.

Is the Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert a rainy environment?

No. It remains an arid desert, even though coastal fog supplies some moisture. The Canary Current creates haze and fog rather than turning the region into a wet climate.

swap_horiz

Looking for Saharan Atlantic Coastal Desert alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward