Quck answer
The hottest place on Earth is the Lut Desert in Iran. It holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on the planet, reaching a scorching 159.3 degrees Fahrenheit (70.7 degrees Celsius) in 2005. The Lut Desert is located in southeastern Iran and covers an area of about 51,800 square kilometers. It is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes and rock formations, devoid of any vegetation. The extreme heat in this region is a result of its location and geographical features, such as low elevation and lack of cloud cover.
Is it currently summer where you reside? It may not yet be the peak of summer, but it may be starting to warm up quite nicely!
Our Wonder Friends are aware that we have already explored the coldest location on Earth. Now it is time to put on our short-sleeve shirts and shorts and venture to the hottest place on Earth!
The Earth is an immense planet, with two thirds of its surface covered in water. The remaining third consists of dry land where humans can inhabit. However, did you know that one third of that dry land is actually desert, which is too hot and arid to support much life?
Most of the deserts in the world are located near the equator, which means they are situated in extremely hot climates. The lack of moisture in these regions also makes them dry and inhospitable.
The deserts around the world are where we can find the majority of the hottest places on Earth. However, determining the exact location of the hottest place on Earth is not as simple as it may seem. For example, the place with the highest recorded temperature may not necessarily be the hottest place throughout the year.
It is also important to distinguish between surface temperature and air temperature. Surface temperature measures the heat or coldness experienced on the ground. Have you ever touched a sidewalk on a scorching summer day? If so, you may already know that surfaces can be significantly hotter than the air! Air temperature is measured approximately four feet (1.2 meters) above the ground.
Until now, the highest recorded surface temperature was 159.26° F in 2005 in the Lut Desert in Iran. This desert region is so barren that it is devoid of any form of life, including bacteria.
The hottest section of this desert is an area spanning over 180 square miles known as the Gandom Beryan, which translates to “toasted wheat.” Walking across its black volcanic rock during the heat of the day would be akin to walking on burning coals!
The highest recorded air temperature is 136° F. This record was set in El Azizia, Libya, in 1922. Impressive! Those temperatures are scorching hot. However, one does not need to travel around the world to experience temperatures nearing those extremes. Instead, one could simply visit California!
Death Valley, California, is situated in the Mojave Desert. It consistently experiences air temperatures well above 100° F during the summer, leading many individuals to consider it the hottest place on Earth. Death Valley tends to sustain extreme temperatures for longer durations compared to most other places, even within deserts. The highest recorded temperature in the region was 134° F on July 10, 1913! However, Death Valley reached 130° F as recently as 2020.
As scorching as all of these locations are, there is one other place that maintains the highest average temperature year-round. That distinction belongs to Dallol, Ethiopia. Day after day, throughout the entire year, Dallol experiences an average temperature of almost 94° F!
Dallol is situated in an area known as the Danakil Depression. High temperatures in this area commonly exceed 115° F. Formerly a mining town, Dallol is now primarily a deserted town that can only be reached by camel.
With climate change affecting the Earth, many regions across the globe are experiencing record-breaking heat. It remains uncertain which location will claim the title of the hottest place on Earth in ten years. Only time will reveal the answer.
Give It a Try
Feeling the heat? Here are some cool activities you can enjoy with a friend or family member:
- Have you ever considered living in Dallol, Ethiopia? Despite its extreme conditions, it can be a fascinating place to visit. Due to volcanic activity, hot springs bring salt deposits to the surface, where the Sun quickly evaporates the water. This leaves behind stunning salt deposits in various colors like yellow, white, red, and green. To explore this remarkable region, you can browse online to see surreal photos from the hottest place on Earth. Would you be interested in visiting Dallol one day? Discuss it with a friend or family member.
- How hot does it get in your area? While you may have an idea from living there, conduct some Internet research to gather statistical facts about the average temperatures in your region. Which month tends to be the hottest? What is the highest monthly average temperature during that month? Does this information align with your personal experience? Create a poster, either on paper or using Canva, to educate others about the climate in your area. Include the online statistics you found and share a few examples of the weather you have encountered.
- When the temperature rises, we all seek ways to cool down. What are your favorite methods of cooling off? Do you enjoy swimming in a refreshing pool or savoring an ice cream cone? Can you think of other ways to beat the heat? Make a list of at least five activities you can do to cool down the next time the temperature soars. Share your list with a friend or family member and exchange ideas.
References
- https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/HottestSpot (accessed 02 Apr. 2021)
- https://allthatsinteresting.com/hottest-place-on-earth-dallol-ethiopia (accessed 02 Apr. 2021)
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/hottest-places-on-earth (accessed 02 Apr. 2021)
- www.learnersdictionary.com (accessed 02 Apr. 2021)
FAQ
1. Where is the hottest place on Earth?
The hottest place on Earth is in the Lut Desert, located in southeastern Iran. This region holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on the planet. In 2005, a temperature of 159.3 degrees Fahrenheit (70.7 degrees Celsius) was recorded in this desert. The extreme heat in the Lut Desert is attributed to its location and unique geographical features.
2. What makes the Lut Desert the hottest place?
The Lut Desert is situated in a remote part of Iran, far from any major water bodies. This lack of proximity to large bodies of water means that there is no cooling effect from the sea, allowing the desert to heat up significantly. Additionally, the desert has a very low elevation, which traps the heat and prevents it from dissipating. The combination of these factors makes the Lut Desert the hottest place on Earth.
3. Are there any other hot regions on Earth?
Yes, there are several other hot regions on Earth apart from the Lut Desert. Some notable ones include the Death Valley in California, USA, which holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded at 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius). Other hot regions include the Dasht-e Kavir Desert in Iran, the Sahara Desert in Africa, and the Rub’ al Khali Desert in the Arabian Peninsula.
4. How do people survive in such extreme heat?
Surviving in extreme heat requires taking certain precautions. People in hot regions often stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous physical activities. They drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to help regulate body temperature. Additionally, using sunscreen and wearing hats can protect against the harmful effects of the sun. Some communities also have traditional cooling methods, such as using misting systems or taking siestas during the hottest hours.
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