What is the name of the largest desert in the world?

Prepare for the Whittier Competition Academic Team Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get ready for success!

The largest desert in the world is actually the Antarctic Desert. Although many people may initially think of the Sahara Desert due to its vast sandy landscapes and warm climate, the definition of a desert is based on low precipitation rather than temperature or landscape. The Antarctic Desert, which is classified as a polar desert, covers an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles), making it the largest desert on Earth. It is characterized by its cold climate and extremely low humidity, as it receives very little precipitation throughout the year. Thus, while the Sahara is the largest hot desert, the correct answer to the question regarding the largest desert, considering the polar deserts, is the Antarctic Desert.

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