Why does it not rain in deserts?

Question

Ok, we all know that it rains very little in desert countries like the Middle East for instance. But what is the reason behind it? I know it sounds stupid (and I am no scientist) but even these countries are surrounded by water so shouldn't the intense heat trigger the water cycle?
Thanks.

Answer 1

This is what I found from the link below...

Basically the air currents that move towards land from the oceans lose their moisture content as they pass over the land. When you consider large landmasses, as the currents cover huge distances, they become quite devoid of moisture. This is one reason why deserts often occur in the middle of large continents.

Another reason to it not raining in deserts is the fact that deserts often lie in rain shadow regions, i.e they are shielded by mountain ranges... e.g the Sahara desert which is the rain shadow to the Atlas mountains....

Coming to the case of the middle east, the site I read this all up from (see link below) says that India creates a rain shadow for the most of the Middle East and part of north Africa.

This is putting it very simply... try the link below for details...

Answer 2

Rain shadow deserts form when tall mountain ranges block clouds from reaching areas in the direction the wind is going. As the air moves over the mountains, it cools and moisture condenses, causing precipitation on the windward side. Moisture almost never reaches the leeward side of the mountain, resulting in a desert. When that air reaches the leeward side, the air is dry, because it has already lost the majority of its moisture. The air then warms, expands, and blows across the desert. The warm air takes with it any remaining small amounts of moisture in the desert

Answer 3

It does not rain in Atacama dessert or Sahara dessert because Dessert is a typically sweet course that concludes a meal. Desserts are usually smaller than a plate and therefore not large enough for rain clouds to form on them. Although it does not rain in desserts they are usually sweet and tasty. Be warned though if you eat enough of them you will get the size of Krusty Alley.

Answer 4

High temperature is not conducive to the formation of rain clouds.
I live in North Texas and precipitation seldom occurs in summertime (averaging at 100 degrees F.).

Answer 5

I believe that it also has something to do with the direction of the prevailing winds, and the relative temperature of the ocean currents. Either clouds do not form (air is too hot) or else clouds are blown back out to sea because of the wind direction.

Answer 6

It is so hot that the rain evaporates before hitting the ground.