Deserts of Europe: Real and Not-So-Real

Europe is often perceived as a land of lush landscapes and rolling green fields, far removed from the arid terrains of deserts. Yet, surprisingly, parts of this continent do experience conditions that mimic the harsh climates found in other parts of the world. This article delves into the deserts of Europe, highlighting the notable ones and the reasons behind their existence.

Notable Deserts in Europe

The most significant desert in Europe, and indeed on the continent, is the Tabernas Desert in Spain. Located in the province of Almería, it is recognized as the only true desert on mainland Europe. The Tabernas Desert is characterized by its arid conditions and a unique landscape that makes it a unique attraction for both nature enthusiasts and avid photographers.

While the Tabernas Desert is a true desert, there are other semi-arid regions scattered throughout Europe. Notable among these is the Bardenas Reales in Spain, which exhibits desert-like features. Similarly, the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Spain also displays desert-like landscapes, albeit not strictly qualifying as deserts due to its ecological characteristics. Another example is the Oleshky Sands in Ukraine, which saw its spread halted by the massive tree-planting operation in the 20th century, making it stand out in the context of deserts in Europe.

Extreme Conditions in Europe

While deserts like the Tabernas are striking, Europe has occasional areas that can mimic deserts. For instance, the Piscinas Dunes in Sardinia, Italy and the Bledow in Poland exhibit vast expanses of sand dunes that can create a desert-like experience.

One of the most fascinating examples of desert-like conditions in Europe is the My Swiss Desert. Found in northwestern Switzerland, this small but fascinating desert is part of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of North America. This rain-shadow desert, created by the Jura mountain range, experiences minimal rainfall and cool winters, making it a unique and challenging environment for the species that call it home. Although it is small, its conditions can be quite extreme, with temperatures reaching up to 100°F in the summer.

Future of Deserts in Europe

Given the ongoing global climate change and its impacts, particularly on precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures, it's possible that Europe could see an increase in desert-like conditions in the future. Historical examples, such as the Oltenian Sahara Desert in Romania, highlight how deforestation and subsequent climatic changes can lead to desertification. These regions were transformed due to a combination of deforestation in the 1960s and subsequent periods of low rainfall.

The future of Europe regarding deserts is uncertain, but the warming climate and changing patterns of precipitation certainly pose a threat. While some regions may already be experiencing more arid conditions, others might see a transition towards desert-like environments.

Despite these concerns, it's important to recognize that the definition of a true desert is quite strict. A true desert must have at least 250 mm of average annual rainfall and no month can receive more rain than can be evaporated. Furthermore, the evaporation rate must exceed the yearly precipitation by at least four times. While Europe does not currently have any deserts that meet these criteria, the presence of regions such as the My Swiss Desert hints at the potential for such environments in the future.

For those interested in exploring the weather and conditions in these unique desert settings, a weather station has recently been installed in My Swiss Desert. This station provides real-time data on temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors, making it a valuable resource for both scientists and enthusiasts alike.