With an annual average rainfall of 0.033 inches (0.861 millimeters), Aswan in South Egypt is definitely one of the driest places on earth. A team of scientists is driving from the coastal town of Antofagasta, and they occasionally pass other vehicles on the road -mostly prospectors searching for metals and minerals. Approximately 71% of the Earth consists of water which is great because we all need water to survive. Well, if the driest place on earth comes into consideration, the majority would believe that it is in any hot deserted region. Are Electric Highways the Way of the Future? Surprisingly, the Ica region wasnt dry until around 30 million years ago. Image of the Day Unexpected emergence of flowering bulbs prompts move to designate Chiles Atacama desert a protected national park. However, some places receive less than 0.09 inches (2 millimeters) of rainfall on average per year, qualifying them to be referred to as hyper-arid deserts. 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For that reason, the terrain is quite dangerous to maneuver unless professionals accompany you. This year's cold, wet weather, however, has given California's shrinking glaciers a new round of snowy protection and, in the case of Conness Glacier, new life. Lets explore 10 of the driest places on earth. If rain does fall, it happens in January and February. Flash flooding on September 10, 2022 caused extensive pavement damage on CA-190. Flood water washed debris over roads, swept away and buried cars, knocked a water facility offline, damaged buildings, and stranded about a thousand visitors and staff in Death Valley National Park. Tourists from around the world visit this place to experience its beauty. As per statistics, the average climate is dry all year round, with some areas not experiencing rainfall in more than a year. Located in Antarctica, an area called the McMurdo Dry Valleys is the driest place and one of the most extreme deserts on Earth. The desert plateau is 990 miles long, and is the only true desert to receive less rain than the polar deserts. Earth's magnetic pole is creeping westward. Despite being one of the driest places in the world, Pelican point constantly floods with tourists visiting and looking to surf on its sand dunes that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. Average rainfall is less than 2 inches (5 cm), a fraction of what most deserts receive. At 86 meters (282 feet) below sea level, Death Valley, California, is one of the hottest, driest places on the planet. However, the temperature drops as low as 46.4F (8C) during the winter. There has been absolutely no precipitation for nearly 2 million years in the 1,900-square-mile region. Summer nights provide little relief as overnight lows may only dip into the 85F to 95F (30C to 35C) range. Image of the Day Every year, it experiences an average of 4,300 hours of scorching sunshine, making it one of the hottest and driest cities in the world. In the heart of the Chilean plateau, the most famous nature reserve in the Atacama Desert is home to numerous flamingos. Asteroid Ryugu Has Dust Grains Older Than the Sun. Another reason why tourists love this place is that the climate is adaptable. It is a plateau that occupies a 600 mile strip of the Pacific coast on the western side of Andes Mountains. Therefore, the summers are hot and unbearable, and the winters are enjoyable. This port city lies at the top of the long skinny country of Chile, and actually lies to the west of the well-known Atacama Desert. The city borders the Atacama Desert, which may be partly why its quite dry and experiences little to no rain. The Atacama desert is awash with color after extreme El Nino rains.. Scientific discoveries from around the world News Astronomy Technology Space Planet Earth Animals Biology Chemistry Culture Earth Health The Atacama Desert is located in the northern third of Chile near its border with Peru, from around the . In 2013, another snowfall occurred. This peculiar position makes it so that a state of high pressures gets trapped in the area making it impossible for clouds to be generated, and for rain to occur almost exclusively on the ocean itself rather than on land. In 2015, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute granted funding to AUT to develop methods for operatingunmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs). As per the available categories, this one, in particular, falls under hyper-arid areas. According to records, the annual precipitation level is less than 1.4 inches (36 millimeters), meaning that little vegetation or water bodies could survive. Every few years, more than 200 species of plants bloom, producing a spectacular carpet of purple, pink and yellow flowers on the desert floor. Summermeltwaterfrom the glaciers provides the primary source ofsoil nutrients. Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. First of all, it is considered to be the driest place on Earth, with virtually no precipitation occurring year round except for when the phenomenon of El Nio brings it every 2 to 7 years, during which the desert temporarily turns into a flower meadow (the so-called desert bloom). Forget the TV version of "Shark Tank." Currently, the region is too dry to support most plants and vegetation comfortably. The Padre Le Paige Museum is a must-see, housing numerous remains of pre-Columbian civilizations and prehistoric archaeological artifacts. Pelican Point is a tiny jetty in the sand-dune-filled African country of Namibia, but even for a place known for dryness, it's a special case. The driest region on Earth is Antarctica's Dry Valleys, which haven't seen rain in almost 2 million years. How? During the towns hottest month, which happens to be July, the temperatures are so high that they can reach a maximum of 111.4F (44.1C) and a minimum of 90.7F (32.6C). The desert is home to the largest natural supply of Sodium Nitrate in the world. By August 6, the flood water had mostly receded, and the stranded visitors were able to exit the park escorted by National Park Service personnel. It is relatively large, considering it measures roughly 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) long and 321 miles (500 kilometers) wide. Endolithicbacteriahave been found living in the Dry Valleys, sheltered from the dry air in the relatively moist interior of rocks. 5 min read. This contributes to the low humidity of the area. Luxor is a town in Egypt that gained its name from the Arabic term the palaces. The town is famous for its tourist attractions, such as the largest open-air museums, culture-rich temples, and one of the driest places in the world. Your n1 source of information on the world of sandsports and desert adventure travel. Yet another extreme precipitation event sent rivers out of their banks, inundating coastal towns and prompting evacuations. For context, this figure is quite close to the maximum theoretical sunshine duration of any place in the world. This month, the new president, Gabriel Boric, announced that the area would be made into a national park the highest protected status the country bestows to safeguard the flowering desert, a rare phenomenon which occurs every few years. In contrast to the extremes of summertime, winter and spring are very pleasant. Trees are breathers. The main crops grown are peaches, dates and apricots. What'S The Driest Place On Earth | Science-Atlas.com The 'driest place on Earth' is covered in pink flowers after a crazy year of rain . The logic is the surrounding Atacama deserts prevalent winds zap out the moisture and instead spread hot air. Considering Wadi Halfa is part of the Namibian desert which is subsequently part of the Sahara Desert, its no surprise that the city is as dry as it is. Part of the reason this town graced this list is that it only receives an average of 0.05 inches (12.9 millimeters) of rain annually. Frontiers. Judging by the figures mentioned earlier, its not advisable to visit the area during the summer unless you can withstand the extreme climate. The lack of rain in this area is attributed to Katabatic winds, which are winds from the mountains that are so heavy with moisture that gravity pushes them down and away from the valleys. Few people live in the Dry Valleys partly because the environment is too dry. Dust storms can suddenly blow up with approaching cold fronts. Watch the full 'Strawberry Moon' rise on June 3. Chile's Atacama Desert, the Driest Desert on Earth, Just Got Almost 3-Feet of Snow. Floods. Amazingly, 35% of earths land consists of desert areas meaning they are more comillimeterson than you think. They found no living organisms in the permafrost, the first location on the planet visited by humans with no active microbial life. The valleys are located within the McMurdo ValleysAntarctic Specially Managed Area(ASMA-2). If you like sand surfing, chances are you have heard of the picturesque Pelican Point, Namibia. Even worse, some areas go without rain for years, making them relatively NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. "If we had another really dry . On average, Ica experiences 0.11 inches (2.9 millimeters) of precipitation annually and humidity of up to 35%. Learn more about the driest environment on planet earth. The Moon is drifting away from Earth. Sometimes it seems like summer stretches into a hot, dry mess. The last major bloom occurred in 2017, and scientists believe that the phenomenon could last into late November this year. On January 8, the temperature dropped to 15F (-10C) at Furnace Creek. The high temperatures are partly because of the citys proximity to the Tropic of Cancer. These mass blooms, one of which is currently going on in the northern Atacama after abundant rainfall earlier this year, often attract media attention from around the globe. used cameras sensitive to visible light and UV and spectrometers to measure the reflection, absorption, and transmission of different wavelengths by the petals of a total of 110 purple, yellow, red, pink, and white C. longiscapa flowers. The Writers Guild of American Strike hits the month mark : NPR, Here are the changes to SNAP in debt ceiling bill, including work requirements : NPR, Boeing delays launch of Starliner with NASA astronauts : NPR, Adidas is selling Ye brand sneakers with plans to donate sales : NPR, Tesla says all new Model 3s now qualify for full $7,500 tax credit, Get this party started! The temperatures can easily go above 104F (40C) in June, July, and August. Lets explore 10 of the driest places on earth. The driest places on Earth are also cold deserts: Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys and Chile's Atacama Desert. In this area, the sun shines for a total of 2,646 hours every year. One common thing with most cities in this list is that there is little to no vegetation that can grow successfully, and there are hardly ever any clouds. The flowers produce fruit and seeds, so if you take todays flowers away, you are also taking the next floral bloom with you, he explained. The Dry Valleys are popularly known as such because they are a collection of valleys with extremely low humidity and little to no ice cover. Solid State Batteries Promise Long Life and Rapid Refuel Electric Vehicles, Electric vs. Hydrogen: The Pros and Cons of Greener Transportation, Gold Rush: Mine Rescue with Freddy & Juan. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy However, the sunshine intensity is still as high as in the Northern Sahara Desert. The city borders the Atacama Desert, which may be partly why its quite dry and experiences little to no rain. This characteristic is due to the particular geographic location of the Atacama region, which, although it faces the Pacific Ocean to the west, is completely narrowed to the east by the Andes Mountain Range: this intercepts moisture from the Amazon basin, while the cold Humboldt current flowing deep into those ocean waters contributes to making cloud formation almost impossible, creating a constant state of high pressure that prevents precipitation. However, the annual average humidity is 75%, one of the highest on this list. | YAA! Air at freezing temperature (32F) holds ten times less moisture than air at 100F, and more than 20 times less moisture than air at 130F. In tune with the rest of Egypt, the general temperature classifies as a hot desert climate, with Aswan having the hottest summer days. 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It was previously thought that algae were staining red the ice emerging atBlood Fallsbut it is now known that the staining is caused by high levels ofiron oxide. The Dry Valleys are so named because of their extremely low humidity and lack of snow or ice cover. The world record highest air temperature of 134F (57C) was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. Scientists have found that the soil in the Atacama Desert is very similar to that of Mars, and are studying this desert to find out more about the Red planet. The Rub Al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, is a sand desert in the Arabian Peninsula. The Boric government has made protecting biodiversity and animal wellbeing central to its programme for government, and promised to lead the fight on climate change. What event occurred in the Atacama desert in 2011 for the first time in almost 50 years? DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.957318, Journal information: Unlike most deserts, the Atacama stays relatively cool. The Atacama Desert is a strip of land on the Chilean coast, west of the Andes Mountains. The lack of precipitation can be blamed on the fact that the cold water brought forth by Humboldt currents prevents the formation of clouds. The wind heats more as they descend; thus, by the time they reach the bottom, they are hot enough to cause the evaporation of water or ice. On average, the humidity is about 26%, with an all-time high of 42% and a minimum low of 16%. 7 Essential Elements To Add To Your Book Trailer Video; Aug 30, 2021 . Due to the high humidity, the air often feels wet, but the moisture doesnt get to the ground. The Al Khufrah Oasis in southeastern Libya (near the Egyptian border) is one of Libya. Flowers bloom this month, unusual for this weather cycle, in the Atacama desert. It has experienced semiarid conditions for about 150 million years. In just three hours on August 5, a thousand-year rainfall event dropped 75 percent of the local average annual rainfall, which is just under 2 inches (5 centimeters). Although tall mountains surround the Atacama, none of them have glaciers showing you how dry the place is. For those of you looking for a "real" desert as the driest place on Earth, let's travel about 5,600 miles (9,012 km) to northern Chile in South America. Approximately 71% of the Earth consists of water which is great because we all need water to survive. Very little snow or rain falls on the continent, but because it is so cold, the . Temperature Extremes, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, Death Valley Experiences 1,000 Year Rain Event, Death Valley Roads Closed, Damage Being Assessed, Flash floods strand 1,000 people in California's Death Valley National Park, Flash flood in Death Valley strands about 1,000 people in national park, NASA Goddard Space ARICA, CHILE | THE CITY THAT NEVER RAINS! This ongoing process could ultimately lead to the origin of new races or species," said Martnez-Harms. These basalts have ages between 2.1 and 4.4Ma. December 15, 2022 Approximately 71% of the Earth consists of water which is great because we all need water to survive. Most of its terrain is covered in sand dunes and gypsum plains, giving the area a picturesque appearance that has grazed many photographers portfolios. The largest deserts on Earth are polarthe Antarctic and Arctic. The unique conditions in the Dry Valleys are caused, in part, bykatabatic winds; these occur when cold, dense air is pulled downhill by the force of gravity. At night, these special geographic . 8 Dry Valleys, Antarctica Contrary to popular belief, one of the driest places on Earth is at the South Pole. The #Atacama Desert continues to be experiencing unusual quantity of snow. The Atacama Desert is ironically located next to the largest body of water in the world, the Pacific Ocean. The Chinchorro are the very first people that inhabited the Atacama desert in Chile, the driest desert on Earth. Apr. The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. Death Valley, The lack of precipitation can be blamed on the fact that the cold water brought forth by Humboldt currents prevents the formation of clouds. Sunny skies are the norm in Death Valley, but winter storms and summer monsoons can bring cloud cover and rain. The hottest air temperature ever recorded in Death Valley (Furnace Creek) was 134F (57C) on July 10, 1913. The Dry Valleys experience extremely lowhumidityand surrounding mountains prevent the flow of ice from nearbyglaciers. As for the humidity, the annual average is 30% or so, making it one of the least humid towns in the world. However, the vegetation is as short-lived as the rainfall itself, and things return to normal after less than two weeks. Tourists from around the world visit this place to experience its beauty. Despite the climate, Aswan is home to one of the busiest markets in Egypt and is also a popular tourist hot spot. However, the main source of revenue for the locals is tourism. Heat The driest place on earth is the Atacama Desert in Chile. The driest place on Earth is in Antarctica in an area called the Dry Valleys, which have seen no rain for nearly 2 million years. This dry dusty region wasn't always that way, though. An exception are UV-reflecting pink and reddish C. longiscapa, which are quite distinct to human eyes, but probably appear similar to hymenopterans. The Dry Valleys are popularly known as such because they are a collection of valleys with extremely low humidity and little to no ice cover. This announcement is great news and it is in line with our commitment to be an ecological government which puts people and nature first, said Maisa Rojas, Chiles environment minister. Should we reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions? Flight Center. Therefore, the summers are hot and unbearable, and the winters are enjoyable. October 4, 2022. Sand-boarding.com contains sponsored links to marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one these links. Also, Ica was the home to a now extinct 5-foot-long (1.5-meter) penguin species . Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The logic is the surrounding Atacama deserts prevalent winds zap out the moisture and instead spread hot air. This document is subject to copyright. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Provided by Every April for the past decade, systems biologist Rodrigo Gutirrez has driven 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to reach one of the driest places on Earth: Chile's Atacama Desert, parts of which . For example, most hymenopterans have three types of photoreceptors, which are maximally sensitive to UV, blue, and green. The descending, drying air of the subtropical high in the region has a strong influence on the surrounding area, producing a dry and hot desert. Here you can find information, guides, tours, best gear and accessories for your next desert adventure! For general inquiries, please use our contact form. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Sand-boarding.com [oceanwp_date] - OceanWP Theme by Nick, Atacama Desert the driest desert on Earth, Its soil has been compared to that of Mars, Five Places to visit in the Atacama Desert. Ica is located in southern Peru and is the capital city of the Department of Icaone of Perus regions. From all directions, different colors of petals spread outwards like waves on a calm shoreline, highlighting both their beauty and fragility amidst this harsh environment. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the most unique deserts in the world. TheTaylorandWright Valleysare major ice-free valleys within theTransantarctic Mountains. Six Planets are Retrograde, What Does that Mean for You? Trump ahead of DeSantis in multi-candidate Republican primary, poll shows : NPR, Tom Holland Isnt Off The Table For Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, The Writers Guild of American Strike hits the month, CleanSparks Latest Update Reveals Major Boost In BTC Mined, Tesla says all new Model 3s now qualify for full $7,500 tax, YouTube says it will stop removing false claims about past. The Dry Valley Drilling Project (197175) determined thePleistocenelayer within the Taylor Valley was between 137 and 275 m thick, and composed of interbeddedsandstones, pebbleconglomerates, and laminated siltymudstones. For context, this figure is quite close to the maximum theoretical sunshine duration of any place in the world. A lake is hidden under ice. In early August 2022, flash floods soaked Furnace Creek in Death Valley, the driest place in North America. News Conscious is a powerful news platform covering a wide range of topics. Arica is arguably one of the driest cities on the continent. The town offers an ideal starting point for exploring the Atacama Desert and a first taste of the driest place on earth. The driest region on Earth is Antarctica's Dry Valleys, which haven't seen rain in almost 2 million years. The area boasts lots of dried-up lake beds believed to have been flowing with water roughly 4,000 years ago. In this area, the sun shines for a total of 2,646 hours every year. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 35% of earths land consists of desert areas. Severe Storms The plants are geophytes, meaning that their bulbs lie dormant underground over the dry period and, when the winter rains finally arrive, surface the following spring. This platform allows you to spend more time ingesting and less time seeking. A couple of palm trees separate the town from the surrounding miles of desert. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties. The Driest Place On Earth Has Seen No Rain For 2 Million Years, A "Mini-Ice Age" Could Hit Earth By 2030, Scientists Warn, Watch Stephen Hawking Casually Explain What Existed Before The Big Bang, Female Shark in Seoul Aquarium Eats Male Shark Because He Kept Bumping Into Her, 1,200-Year-Old Mummy of a Young Man Tied With Rope Discovered in Peru, Selfie From Top Of Everest Destroys Flat Earth Theory Once And For All. Wadi Halfa is a small town with little population located in the Northern state of Sudan. This little town in central Algeria is the driest place in an already dry country. Higher elevations are cooler than the low valley. It is one of the driest places on Earth and has not seen rain for nearly 2 million years. It is relatively large, considering it measures roughly 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) long and 321 miles (500 kilometers) wide. Although the exact area for the Flowering Desert national park is yet to be determined, it will sit between the northern cities of Copiap and Vallenar in the Atacama desert - the driest place. So when it does rain, its a big deal. On the southern side of Lima, bordering the Atacama Desert, lies Ica. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines). For example, hymenopterans, just like us, can easily distinguish between red, purple, white, and yellow variants. Click here to sign in with Image of the Day Secondly, the soil of the Atacama desert has been compared to that of Mars. The dry wind evaporates the snow rapidly and little melts into the soil. NY 10036. The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the most picturesque places in the world, with shimmering sand and breathtaking beaches. It worsens during the hot months because the temperature can get as high as 118F (48C). The resulting condition hampers the evaporation of seawater, producing fog and clouds but no rain. Some weather stations there have never. The Rub Al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, is a sand desert in the Arabian Peninsula. As for the humidity, the annual average is 30% or so, making it one of the least humid towns in the world. As the sky begins to darken and raindrops start to fall, a surprising sight arises: the parched landscape starts blooming with wild desert flowers whose seeds had been dormant in the soil waiting for the right opportunity to come to life. What could the trillion-dollar coin look like? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated. Some of the flood water is visible in the latter of this pair of false-color images acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASAs Terra and Aqua satellites on July 11 and August 7, 2022. Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. Temperatures at the lake's bottom may reach 25 degrees Celsius. The deluge dropped 1.46 inches (3.7 centimeters), which came close to breaking the single-day record for highest rainfall ever received in the park, which was 1.47 inches in April 1988. However, the main source of revenue for the locals is tourism. Your email address will not be published. Today, Chuquicamata has almost run out of capacity as an open-pit mine, so much so that construction of underground tunnels began in 2012. Required fields are marked *. The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. As per statistics, the average climate is dry all year round, with some areas not experiencing rainfall in more than a year. The unique conditions are caused, in part, by powerful katabatic winds these occur when cold, dense air is pulled downhill by the force of gravity. Last Updated on November 2, 2022. Part of the reason this town graced this list is that it only receives an average of 0.05 inches (12.9 millimeters) of rain annually. Although the exact area for the Flowering Desert national park is yet to be determined, it will sit between the northern cities of Copiap and Vallenar in the Atacama desert the driest place on Earth. On average, this area experiences an annual temperature of 80.6F (27C) during its coldest months. Image of the Day A dominant species was C. longiscapa (family Montiaceae), an annual plant up to 20 cm high, which bloomed in two distinct patches tens of km across. Insects, with their compound eyes and different sensitivities, see the world very differently than we do. The Atacama Desert is a . By the time most air masses reach Death Valley, they are bone dry. One feature of note is Lake Bonney, a saline lake situated in the Dry Valleys. During the heat wave that peaked with that record, five consecutive days reached 129 F (54C) or above. Because there are no glaciers bringing water into this location, very little life can thrive. 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The clear, dry air and sparse plant cover allow sunlight to heat the desert surface. April 24, 2002 Feature Story The Driest Place on Earth Posted by Shige Abe In Northern Chile, a pick-up truck bumps along dusty old mining roads toward the Atacama Desert. These patches consisted ofto human eyesuniformly purple and yellow flowers. Although no living organisms have been found in thepermafrosthere,endolithicphotosyntheticbacteria have been found living in the relatively moist interior of rocks, andanaerobic bacteria, with a metabolism based on iron and sulfur, live under theTaylor Glacier. The results show that just within this single plant species, the diversity perceptible to pollinators was greater than to us. Mechanisms of flower coloring and eco-evolutionary implications of massive blooming events in the Atacama Desert, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution(2022). Europe is the second smallest continent in size but the third largest in population. The impressive landscapes formed in the Atacama Desert not only amaze during the day with its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. On average, the highest temperature during summer is as high as 107.0F (41.9C), while the lowest does not go below 77.0F (25C). The humidity lies on the low side, considering the yearly average is 39.9%, spiking as high as 57% in winter and falling to 27% in summer. Video advice: coldest, driest, and windiest continent (Antartica) Antarctica is important for science because of its profound effect on the Earth's climate and ocean systems.The driest place on Earth is in Antarctica called the Dry Valleys.Dry valleys are unusual part of antartica and ice free part of antartica. Related: 10 Of The Worlds Last Unexplored Places. Global Public Perception of Russia's Leadership Eroded Sharply in 2022. They are also dry because, in this location, the mountains are sufficiently high that they block seaward-flowing ice from theEast Antarctic Ice Sheetfrom reaching theRoss Sea. These events are more becoming increasingly common due to climate change and they are cause of worry for the residents who are not used to see nor prepared to deal with snow. It occupies an area of about 41,000 square miles and is mainly made up of sand, salt . 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Written by Kristen Holder Updated: July 26, 2022 iStock.com/Eduardo Cabanas Animals Home Places Discover the Driest Place on Earth - 500 Years Without a Single Rain Drop! Coastal road towards the beaches of Arica, Chile. Average rainfall: 0.761 mm (0.03 in) per year. Walking among the dunes and rock walls that make up the scenery offers the feeling of being in an otherworldly dimension, where man is merely a guest. Of course, the valleys are surrounded by the Transantarctic Mountains, which are so high that they block any rain clouds from forming and seaward-flowing ice from reaching the rivers. The Dry Valleys are popularly known as such because they are a collection of valleys with extremely low humidity and little to no ice cover. What was it? Rumor has it that Atacama's Calama City didn't see any rain for 400 years until a sudden storm came in 1972. On average, this place receives about an inch (23 millimeters) of rainfall, meaning locals enjoy clear skies most of the year. For that reason, the average annual precipitation is lower than 0.1 inches (2.45 millimeters). Science Journalist. Even worse, some areas go without rain for years, making them relatively inhabitable. [Related: The 9 Hottest Places on Earth ], Average rainfall: 2.29 mm (0.09 in) per year. However, the towns that do receive rainfall only average about 0.04 inches (10 millimeters) annually. As the clouds rise up they cool and the moisture condenses to fall as rain or snow on the western side of the ranges. The country is slowly shutting down its 21 remaining coal-fired power plants, and last week solar and wind overtook coal as an energy source in the national grid for the first time in the countrys history. This website is about the Latest SCIENCE NEWS. For that reason, the area is worth visiting regardless of the season. As per the available categories, this one, in particular, falls under hyper-arid areas. According to records, the annual precipitation level is less than 1.4 inches (36 millimeters), meaning that little vegetation or water bodies could survive. Jan 13, 2022 . The phenomenon usually follows El Nio, the warm phase of a weather system in the tropical waters of the Pacific ocean which prompts rainfall in coastal areas of the Atacama desert. 2023 Warner Bros. Winter daytime temperatures are mild in the low elevations, with cool nights that only occasionally reach freezing. Floods 8 Dry Valleys, Antarctica A Dry Valley Mystery | Continent 7: Antarctica Contrary to popular belief, one of the driest places on Earth is at the South Pole. The Dry Valleys are pretty huge; for context, they spread out over 2,900 square miles (4,800 square kilometers), making the area the largest ice-free region in Antarctica. During the summer, this process can take only hours. Some weather stations there have never recorded rainfall throughout their existence. It is always covered in 3 to 5 meters of ice. Scientists in China Discover Rare Moon Crystal that Could Power Earth, When Well Know if NASAs Asteroid Impact Test was a Success, What Screaming Black Holes are Telling Us, The First Native American Woman Travels into Space with NASA's Crew-5 Mission. - Antarctica is the driest continent; it is almost entirely desert. However, most tourists wont tell you that its also one of the driest places on Earth. For that reason, the terrain is quite dangerous to maneuver unless professionals accompany you. A Dry Valley Mystery | Continent 7: Antarctica, Exploring ASWAN, EGYPT: Egypts Sunny Southern City Travel Vlog, THE RUB AL KHALI The Empty Quarter. 6 Tips for Writing High . Either way, Atacama is a leading tourist destination if you dont mind large stretches of bare desert. 2023 - News Conscious. Reddit follows in Twitters footsteps and restricts third-party apps. Contrary to popular belief, one of the driest places on Earth is at the South Pole. Despite this, tourists flood the area frequently to partake in numerous touristic activities available. On regular years, annual rainfall in the Atacama Desert does not exceed 2.1 mm, which is even less than the precipitation received by polar deserts. [ ]. The largest active geyser site in all of Latin America, El Tatio, is located in the Atacama Desert. "In our next studies, we will further investigate the chemical identity and the biological synthesis pathways of betalains and other flower pigments, as well as their relationship to traits such as the scents produced by the flowers. Another important factor is a lack of precipitation. Arica is located at the African bend on South Americas western coast. Approximately 71% of the Earth consists of water which is great because we all need water to survive. Luxor is bright all year round, considering it boosts up to 4,000 hours of sunshine annually. Also, unlike some places on this list, the temperature in Pelican point doesnt get too hot or cold. Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. Few people live in the Dry Valleys partly because the environment is too dry. If you are not built for the heat, then Aoulef is not the town for you. Wind is common in the desert, especially in the spring. In one of the driest places on Earth, a thousand-year rain event delivered 75 percent of the yearly average precipitation in just three hours. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. It worsens during the hot months because the temperature can get as high as 118F (48C). The city's climate also attracts people with asthma, who say their symptoms are much better in the dry air. One common thing with most cities in this list is that there is little to no vegetation that can grow successfully, and there are hardly ever any clouds. Heat radiates back from the rocks and soil, then becomes trapped in the valley's depths. Although you dont always see it, there is huge biodiversity in the desert, and there are many unique and endemic species, said Cristina Dorador, a microbiologist from the port city of Antofagasta in northern Chile. Average rainfall: 0.862 mm (0.034 in) per year, Luxor is home to a good chunk of the world's antiquities, and it's also a place that doesn't get much moisture. Our articles are the result of extensive research, personal experience, and knowledge-sharing within the global sandboarding community. Because life forms have been found in the Atacama desert, and even flowers can grow there during rare periods of rain, there is some evidence that it may be possible to grow crops on Mars one day. Surprisingly, it doubles as a port despite receiving an average rainfall of about 0.03 inches (0.761 millimeters). The region is one of the worlds most extremedeserts, and includes many features includingLake Vida, a saline lake, and theOnyx River, a meltwater stream and Antarcticas longestriver. Scientists found whale fossils at over 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the current sea level dating back to that time. However, most tourists wont tell you that its also one of the driest places on Earth. Even if you can brace the environment, access to fresh water will be your breaking point because some parts of the area dont experience rainfall for years. Average rainfall: 8.13 mm (0.32 in) per year. In these dry climates, it's difficult to grow anything because continuous evaporation and transpiration means that water doesn't stick around for plants or people to slurp up. Updated July 29, 2022 The driest nonpolar desert on planet Earth, northern Chile's Atacama Desert is like a Martian landscape that's nestled between the Andes Mountains and South America's Pacific coast. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. The landscape is so arid, that NASA 's astrobiologists travel to the Atacama Desert hoping it will lead them to clues about life on other planets. Winds that blast sand at 100 mph (161 kph) are common, and the stones that build the pyramids at Giza originally came from Aswan's dry valleys. The region's dry air makes pre-Columbian mummies prevalent, as human remains don't decompose without humidity. The Atacama is located in South America and can best be described as a coastal desert stretching more than 600 miles (965 kilometers). TheMcMurdo Volcanic Groupintrudes, or isinterbeddedwith, the Taylor and Wright Valleys moraines asbasalticcinder conesandlava flows. Death Valley holds the record for the hottest place on earth. The Atacama desert, which stretches for approximately 1,600 km along the western coast of the cone of South America, is the driest place on Earth. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. With an annual average rainfall of 0.033 inches (0.861 millimeters), Aswan in South Egypt is definitely one of the driest places on earth. The climate in Rub Al Khali qualifies the place to be on this list. The Atacama Desert can go years without any precipitation. Amazingly, 35% of earths land consists of desert areas meaning they are more comillimeterson than you think. Land Why not both? The desolate and silent landscape of Moon Valley is reminiscent of the surface of Earths only natural satellite it is named after. The Atacama is located in South America and can best be described as a coastal desert stretching more than 600 miles (965 kilometers). 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