Why can a heavy rain shower cause a large amount of erosion in a desert area?

Question

Streams or creeks easily overflow.

There is a lack of vegetation to hold the soil in place.

The stable and thick soil easily absorbs precipitation.

Temperatures drop to cool the soil.

Answer 1

A heavy rain shower can cause a large amount of erosion in a desert area primarily because:

There is a lack of vegetation to hold the soil in place.

In desert environments, vegetation is sparse, which means there are fewer roots to stabilize the soil. When a heavy rain event occurs, the intense flow of water can dislodge soil particles, leading to significant erosion. The soil in deserts is often loose and dry, making it more susceptible to being washed away during a heavy downpour.