A polar desert is a type of desert that occurs at high latitudes near the poles, characterized by low precipitation, cold temperatures, and frozen ground. Synonyms for polar desert include arctic desert, tundra desert, and high-latitude desert. Arctic desert is particularly appropriate for the region around the North Pole, while high-latitude desert is a more general term that can apply to both poles. Tundra desert emphasizes the presence of vegetation adapted to the harsh conditions of the region, such as mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs. Other related terms include permafrost desert, indicating the presence of permanently frozen ground, and ice desert, highlighting the prevalence of ice and snow.