[bombcar]

As an aside, there are very few lifeless deserts (and the ones that do exist are often in unexpected areas like the poles).

However, in my experience, it takes living in one for awhile to really get an appreciation for the life there.

[yencabulator]

Biocrust / cryptobiotic soil exists all over the South-West US, including in my front yard. Stay on the trail!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_soil_crust