Equatorial Desert
From Reach
Contents |
History
Climate
The equatorial desert is one of the most dangerous areas on Reach. While it does hold the distinction of the only region completely free from chemical precipitation, year round exposure to direct sunlight, and a lack of greenhouse gases in the area cause scorching heat at midday, and below freezing temperatures at midnight. In some regions of the desert, known as Glass Expanses, the daytime temperature is so high, the sand melts together, forming a smooth sheet of glass during the night. During the day, hurricane force winds are commonplace, stirring up sandstorms capable of reducing an ATV 350 to wreckage. At night, underground gas pockets condense into dangerous burn holes. The desert is safest in the few hours just between day and night. Travelers are encouraged to stick to mapped Twilight Corridors, and only travel if they are confident they can cross the desert before it passes into one of it's extreme phases.
Flora and Fauna
Very few exceptionally hardy species can survive in the equatorial desert. With the noted exception of Squibs, most of these species are extremely dangerous and should only be approached by skilled experts, with access to the heaviest weaponry available on Reach.
Native Species:
Population
There are no permanent residents of the equatorial desert. The alternately scorching and freezing temperatures, tremendous reserves of dangerous, corrosive chemicals, and lethally dangerous Natives make even the most brief visits ill-advised. Some souls still brave the desert, as both sea and air travel are difficult on Reach. Top quality All Weather Gear is required, and can be insufficient during the hottest periods of the day, or coldest periods of the night. Those few who enter the desert are generally Carbon 122 miners, scientists, Squib poachers, or travelers from one hemisphere to another, including racers in The Trans-Pole.
