harsh environment
Unforgiving natural conditions
A harsh environment is a place or set of conditions difficult for life or activity to thrive—extreme temperatures, scarce resources, dangerous terrain.
Deserts, arctic tundras, and deep ocean floors are harsh environments.
The phrase extends beyond geography: a harsh environment for small businesses, The prison created a harsh environment for rehabilitation.
- space stationOrbiting crewed research facility
- thin airSeeming nothingness
- cave systemsInterconnected underground voids
- war zoneArea of active conflict
- no man's landUnowned space between enemies
scorched earth · desert · refugee camp · hydrothermal vents · deep ocean · pressure cooker · submarine · polar region · oil rigs · tundra · underwater habitat · open sea · salt flats · salt mine · blast furnace · mangrove swamps · active volcano · high altitude
harsh environmentsafe environment
Setting without hazards
habitable zone · nurturing environment · paradise · oasis · Eden
harsh environmenttemperate climate
Moderate weather region
mild climate · temperate zone · moderate climate · Mediterranean climate · temperate region
harsh environmentnurturing environment
Setting promoting healthy development
supportive environment · verdant landscape · land of plenty · garden · oasis
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