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The Atacama Desert is located in South America, primarily in northern Chile. It is known as the driest non-polar desert in the world, spanning over 1,000 kilometers along the Pacific coast. The desert is bounded by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is characterized by its arid climate, with some areas experiencing no rainfall for several years. The Atacama Desert is a popular tourist destination due to its unique landscapes, including salt flats, geysers, and colorful rock formations.
Can you imagine what it would be like to reside on Mars? How would you obtain the necessary oxygen? What about water? Transportation would appear very different as you traverse the arid landscape. Fortunately, there exists a location on Earth that you can visit to encounter dry conditions that experts claim resemble those of the Red Planet. What are we referring to? The Atacama Desert, of course!
Where can you find the Atacama Desert? It extends for 600-700 miles (1,000-1,100 km) across the South American country of Chile. It is the driest non-polar desert in the world. Moreover, it is the oldest! Experts assert that the inner core of the Atacama has been hyper-arid for at least 15 million years.
Why do scientists compare the Atacama Desert to Mars? The region possesses an extremely dry climate. The desert has even been used as an extraterrestrial setting in movies. One well-known example is “2001: A Space Odyssey.” However, its resemblance to the Martian surface is not just useful for impressive Hollywood shots. Scientists believe that studying this desert can aid in understanding what life may be like on Mars.
How is that possible? Despite its dry climate, the Atacama Desert is home to some organisms. The inner core supports only microbial life. Experts hope that studying these organisms can provide insights into how life might exist on other planets.
Outside of the inner core, you will come across scorpions, desert wasps, and butterflies in the Atacama Desert. Grey foxes are also known to inhabit the area. Despite its overall lack of precipitation, the Atacama is cooler compared to most deserts. Its average temperature is 66°F (19°C). This makes it a relatively more comfortable habitat than one would expect.
Can people live in the world’s oldest desert? Absolutely! Over one million individuals currently do. In fact, the Atacama Desert has been populated for many years. The Atacameño people were the first known inhabitants. Presently, the people residing in this desert cultivate olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Many also raise alpacas.
Visitors to the Atacama Desert are often captivated by its geological features. The inner core consists of numerous large playas and salt deposits. Additionally, there is a lengthy strip of land known as the Nitrate Belt. For many years, people have mined nitrate minerals in this area. Many individuals also visit Rainbow Valley, where mineral deposits give the sand green, pink, yellow, and blue hues.
The Atacama is also home to one of the world’s premier locations for stargazing. The desert’s plateau sits at an elevation of 16,570 feet (5,050 meters) and experiences up to 330 cloud-free nights per year. Within this area, you will find a collection of 66 telescopes. These instruments are utilized by international scientific organizations to explore the depths of the universe.
Have you ever had the opportunity to visit the Atacama Desert? Does it sound like a place you would like to explore? Would you be interested in studying its fascinating animal life? Its unique geology? Perhaps you would rather bask in the spectacle of outer space. There is much to appreciate about the driest desert in the world!
Give It a Try
Seek assistance from an adult to continue learning with the activities below!
- Take a look at these photos of the Atacama Desert. Do they make you interested in visiting? Why or why not? Discuss it with a friend or family member.
- Imagine what it would be like to live on Mars. How would you survive? What would you bring with you? Would you be able to grow food? Would you discover other forms of life? Write a short story about a future where you reside on the red planet. Be creative and include plenty of details!
- The Atacama Desert is not the only remarkable desert on Earth. Read more about the Sahara and Gobi Deserts. How are they similar to and different from the Atacama Desert? Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting these three deserts.
References for Further Reading
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Atacama-Desert (accessed 11 May 2020)
- https://www.livescience.com/64752-atacama-desert.html (accessed 11 May 2020)
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/south-america/chile/explore-chile-atacama-desert-stargazing/ (accessed 11 May 2020)
- https://www.onthegotours.com/blog/2018/10/10-interesting-facts-about-the-atacama-desert/ (accessed 11 May 2020)
FAQ
1. Where is the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama Desert is located in South America, primarily in the countries of Chile and Peru. It stretches along the Pacific coast, covering an area of approximately 105,000 square kilometers (41,000 square miles).
2. What is the climate like in the Atacama Desert?
The Atacama Desert is known as one of the driest places on Earth. It experiences an extreme arid climate with very little rainfall. The lack of precipitation is due to the combination of cold ocean currents and the Andes Mountains blocking moisture from reaching the region.
3. What kind of wildlife can be found in the Atacama Desert?
Despite its harsh conditions, the Atacama Desert is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species. Some of the wildlife found in the desert includes flamingos, vicuñas, foxes, and various species of cacti.
4. Are there any tourist attractions in the Atacama Desert?
Yes, the Atacama Desert attracts many tourists due to its stunning natural landscapes and unique geological formations. Some popular attractions include the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), El Tatio Geysers, and the Atacama Salt Flat.
5. Can you visit the Atacama Desert year-round?
Yes, the Atacama Desert can be visited year-round. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, so it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. Additionally, certain activities like stargazing are best enjoyed during specific seasons.
6. Is it safe to visit the Atacama Desert?
Generally, the Atacama Desert is considered safe for tourists. However, it is always important to take necessary precautions and follow local guidelines. It is recommended to travel with a reputable tour operator and be aware of the potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions and remote areas.
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