In fact, there are sectors that have never received a drop of rain, at least in the time since they started measuring. Even in such extreme conditions, this amazing place has a special energy. Despite the scarcity of water, it has never lacked life. In fact, it has been inhabited over centuries by influential Andean communities who developed abundant agriculture and stockbreeding. Its characteristic aridity has allowed for the formation of impressive landscapes. The texture of the desert ground — which over three million years ago was part of the sea floor — is surrounded by numerous mountains and volcanoes.
The colors of the sky change throughout the day, showing off a spectacle of endless views, perfect for admiring and taking some beautiful photos. This is determined by its geographical location: between the Andes mountain range, which blocks the humid air of the Amazons, and the Coastal mountain range, which interjects between the air currents that come from the Pacific Ocean.
The wind and ocean flows fulfill a key role in the formation of this especially dry part of the planet. The Pacific anticyclone , for example, blows up from the South Pole towards the north, bringing with it cold and dry air, while Walker circulation works to move the clouds. Meanwhile, the famous Humbolt oceanic current produces a thermal inversion that impedes the formation of humidity in the zone.
Basically, there is an absence of rains and high evaporation. These natural, complex, and dynamic factors make the Atacama Desert an incredibly dry place. Nevertheless, this does not mean that there is no water. There are numerous underground reserves which have accumulated over thousands of years and are still being investigated. This entry is now closed for comments. For the latest updates across BBC blogs, visit the Blogs homepage.
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Meeting the locals in Quillagua Deserts are described as places receiving less than an average of mm of rain in a year. The ghost-town of Humberstone Another benefit is that the absence of clouds makes the Atacama the perfect place to watch the stars! The clarity of the air has resulted in a number of observatories being constructed, the best known of which is the Paranal Observatory which Mark visited.
Despite its remote location, this place must have the best road in Chile! Val Vannet Would you expect to find penguins in the desert? Could there be penguins on Mars? Share this page. Comments Post your comment Sign in or register to comment.
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