Previous Year Question
Which of the following deserts has large sand dunes up to 250 metres (820 feet) high and forms the largest contiguous area of sandy desert on Earth?
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Rub' al Khali, also known as the “Empty Quarter”, is the largest continuous sand desert on Earth. According to NASA, it spreads across the south-central Arabian Peninsula and covers approximately 660,000 square kilometres. Most of it lies in Saudi Arabia, with extensions into Oman, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Guinness World Records, the Rub' al Khali contains enormous sand dunes that can reach 250 metres (820 feet) in height. NASA also describes it as one of the driest areas in the world. Its extremely arid or hyperarid environment has historically discouraged extensive permanent settlement.
An important distinction is that the Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, whereas Rub' al Khali is the world's largest continuous sand desert or sand sea.