A cold desert planet

I know that by definition, a desert implies a lack of water and, as such, makes it very hard for living things to survive there.

In the story I'm writing, the characters come across a planet that is essentially an entirely cold desert world. The reason people live here is that it contains the ruins of a long-lost culture, and so is considered a holy place by them.

My question is: What circumstances would a planet need to be in in order for it to be a cold desert world, and where and how would people most likely survive on one? (There is a breathable atmosphere.)

posted over 8 years ago

Brubek Coltrane‭

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