Why is the Simpson desert a desert?

Answer 1

In 1929, Cecil Madigan named the Simpson Desert after Allen Simpson, who was a major sponsor of his desert studies, and the President of the Royal Geographical Society in Adelaide. Prior to this, the desert was named the Arunta Desert after the Arrente aboriginal tribe who dwelt there, and was colloquially known as the "Great Ribbed Desert" because of the ribbed patterns of the sand dunes. It was originally discovered by Captain Charles Sturt in 1844.

Answer 2

In 1929, Cecil Madigan named the Simpson Desert after Allen Simpson, who was a philanthropist and a major sponsor of his desert studies, and the President of the Royal Geographical Society in Adelaide.

Prior to this, the desert was named the Arunta Desert after the Arrente aboriginal tribe who dwelt there, and was colloquially known as the "Great Ribbed Desert" because of the ribbed patterns of the sand dunes. It was originally discovered by Captain Charles Sturt in 1844.

Answer 3

Deserts are commonly defined as having less than 200mm of rain per year. This is insufficient to permit much vegetation to grow.

often a desert region will be underlain by an artesian basin, and this may provide oases or springs. The Simpson Desert is one such.