Cold deserts are located at higher latitudes than tropical and subtropical deserts, experiencing colder temperatures, especially in winter. They are found in Central Asia, western North America, southeastern South America, Antarctica, and the Arctic. Examples include the Gobi Desert and the Tibetan-Qinghai Plateau.

Coastal deserts are one of the four major types of deserts, usually found on the western edges of continents with cold ocean currents running parallel to the coast. They have unique physical, climatic, and ecological features, with little rainfall and fog, and support specialized plants and animals.

A rain shadow desert is a dryland formed when tall mountain ranges block clouds and precipitation, causing the leeward side to receive little moisture. These deserts are produced by identifiable ranges, passes, plateau edges, and basin floors, linking each desert to its mountain barriers.