The correct option is It is confined to the interior of continents..
Explanation
Mid-latitude deserts (Köppen classification BWk) are distinct from subtropical hot deserts. They are typically located between 30° and 50° latitudes and are primarily associated with the interiors of large landmasses, far removed from oceanic moisture sources.
- It is confined to the interior of continents. is Correct: Mid-latitude deserts, such as the Gobi, Taklamakan, and the deserts of the Great Basin in the USA, are confined to the interior of continents. Their aridity is caused by distance from the sea (continentality) and often by the presence of high mountain ranges that create rain-shadow effects, blocking moisture-bearing winds.
- It is found on the western margins of continents between 15°-30°. is Incorrect: This statement describes Hot Deserts (BWh), such as the Atacama or Namib. Hot deserts are typically found on the western margins of continents between 15° and 30° latitudes, influenced by offshore trade winds and cold ocean currents.
- It receives high rainfall in winter. is Incorrect: By definition, desert climates receive very low precipitation (usually under 25 cm annually). While mid-latitude deserts may receive slight precipitation (sometimes as snow in winter), they do not receive "high rainfall" in any season.
- It is characterised by low annual range of temperature. is Incorrect: Mid-latitude deserts are characterized by a very high annual range of temperature. Due to their interior location (continentality), they experience hot summers and very cold winters, unlike tropical deserts which have high temperatures year-round but a lower annual range compared to mid-latitude interiors.
Key Takeaway: Mid-latitude deserts (BWk) are defined by their location in continental interiors (e.g., Gobi Desert) and extreme temperature variations (high annual range), whereas hot deserts are found on the western margins of the tropics.