Dew Deserts

Abstract

With the addition of relatively substantial amounts of water through dew, dew deserts are characterized by relatively lush flora (and fauna) in comparison to deserts that do not receive dew. While facilitating the growth of plants, dew also facilitates the establishment and growth of micro‐ and small organisms, which have in turn a substantial effect of the food chain. The physical conditions that enable dew formation are discussed, as well as its effect upon lithobionts, biocrusts, and plants. Solid data, principally from the Negev Desert, assist to evaluate the role of dew upon the structure and function of dew desert ecosystems.