| You must prepare and understand the environment | | | | amount of water causes a quick decline in an |
| your facing in order to survive an arid or desert | | | | individual's ability to make decisions and to perform |
| climate. You'll need to determine your equipment | | | | tasks efficiently. Your typical body temperature is |
| needs, the tactics you'll be using, and how the | | | | 36.9 degrees C (98.6 degrees F). Your body gets rid |
| environment will effect your equipment and tactics. | | | | of excess heat by sweating. The hotter your body |
| Your survival will depend on your knowledge of | | | | becomes the more you sweat. The more you sweat |
| terrain, basic climate elements, your ability to cope | | | | the more water you lose. Sweating is the principal |
| with these elements, and your will to survive. | | | | cause of water loss. If a person stops sweating |
| Terrain | | | | during periods of high air temperature and heavy |
| Most desert areas have several types of terrain. | | | | work or exercise, he or she will quickly develop heat |
| - Mountainous | | | | stroke. This is an emergency that requires immediate |
| - Rocky plateau | | | | medical attention. |
| - Sand dunes | | | | Make the most of your water supply! |
| - Salt marshes | | | | - Find shade and get out of the sun |
| - Broken, dissected terrain | | | | - Place something between you and the hot ground |
| Desert terrain makes movement complex and | | | | - Limit your movements |
| demanding. Land navigation will be extremely complex | | | | - Conserve your sweat by wear a full outfit. This will |
| as there are very few landmarks. | | | | protect you from hot-blowing winds and direct rays |
| Water | | | | form the sun, also your clothes will absorb your |
| A key factor in desert survival is understanding the | | | | sweat wich will in turn help you stay cool longer. |
| connection between physical activity, air temperature, | | | | - If water is scarce try to limit food intake. Food |
| and water consumption. The body requires a specific | | | | requires water for digestion. |
| amount of water for a certain level of activity at a | | | | - At temperatures below 38 degrees C. drink half a |
| certain temperature. For example, a person | | | | liter of water an hour. |
| performing hard work in the sun at 43 degrees C | | | | - At temperatures above 38 degrees C, drink 1 liter |
| requires 19 liters of water a day. Lack of the required | | | | of water every hour. |