Oceanic deserts

Oceanic deserts are regions of the oceans characterized by low annual precipitation, comparable to that of continental deserts. These areas typically overlap with subtropical gyres - large systems of circular ocean currents formed by the global wind patterns. These gyres are characterized by semi-permanent high-pressure systems, which inhibit the formation of deep precipitating clouds. Unlike continental deserts, oceanic deserts maintain a relatively high cloud fraction throughout the year. Despite the pronounced cloud cover, the low level shallow clouds over these areas produce very little precipitation, distinguishing these areas as oceanic deserts.

The term "desert" in this context not only refers to the low precipitation but also to the low biodiversity found in these regions. The oceanic circulation in these regions significantly impacts marine life, leading to lower productivity and biodiversity compared to other parts of the ocean.