What is the largest desert in South America? One of the largest deserts of the world in South America

Do you still know what a large desert is in South America? So we will answer you: "This is Atacama!". It is located in the northern part of the state of Chile and in the west touches the waters of the Pacific Ocean. These lands are considered the most arid in the world - for four hundred years there was not observed any significant precipitation. It is also worth noting that if somewhere in the world's largest desert is listed , then Atacama must be considered one of them.

General description of the region

The natural area called Atacama is in Chile. It takes its origin from the border with Peru and extends for 1000 kilometers to the south, along the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Features of the local landscape consist in the fact that the whole desert is in a mountainous area. High altitudes provide the region with depleted air, which increases the impact of solar radiation. The amount of rainfall that this desert in South America can boast is no more than 10 mm per year. Some of its areas have not been rained for more than 400 years. It is in such places that the earth is absolutely sterile. There is no vegetation, no animals, no reptiles.

Striking fact

Many travelers know what a large desert is in South America, and that many of its regions are not suitable even for the existence of insects. But few people realize that people still live on these lands! In the coastal areas are formed fishing villages, small ports, which are surrounded by houses of local residents. On average, there are about a million people. It is also worth noting that not only on the Pacific coasts, but also in the depths of the Atacama Desert, there are islands of human civilization. There, astronomical observatories have been built, of which observations are carried out every year. Scientists believe that this place is most suitable for observing the cosmos, since there is never cloudiness.

Desert climate

The largest desert in South America is characterized by the world's driest climate. However, this does not mean that it is always hot and hot here. The hottest months of the year here is January. During this period the thermometer shows us from 18 to 20 Celsius in the afternoon. At night, the thermometer can go down to the mark of 5-7. July is a cool month. The daytime temperature here ranges from 13-15 Celsius, and the nighttime temperature reaches 0, less often there are frosts. It is during the winter in the desert that fogs often occur. This, perhaps, is one of the most interesting natural anomalies. In this region, the climate is both very dry and humid, due to the evaporation that comes from the Pacific Ocean.

Cause of dryness

After we found out what a large desert is in South America, let us turn to the study of why these lands in the region are the most arid, moreover, why they are considered to be the driest in the world. The answer is simple: "Because it never rains". But what is the reason for such an anomaly, especially given the fact that Atakama is in close proximity to the ocean? The reason is precisely in this pond, or rather - in the cold current of Humboldt, which comes from Antarctica. Winds that pick up moisture from these waters are cooled at their expense. As a result, there is insufficient heat in the atmosphere to make it rain. As for winds that can bring a wet cyclone from the mainland, they do not reach here. On the eastern border of Chile, all the clouds are delayed by the highest mountains - the Andes, and thus this large desert in South America remains without a single drop of water.

Mists of the Atacama Desert

The only source of vital moisture in the desert is the fog, which here is called Kamanchak. However, this atmospheric phenomenon here is very different from what we are accustomed to seeing in our region. The kamanchak is a very dense, watery cloud that is very low above the ground. These clouds constantly turn into dew, which feeds a few desert plants with liquid . Among them there are such as cacti of all kinds, ferns, various shrubs and grasses. Also, this moisture is fed by local birds and insects. As for people, they learned to benefit from the fog only in the 80s of the last century. The essence of the procedure is simple: a special grid is installed, which retains moisture. It is located vertically, and below it is a chute. After the moisture is retained in it, the resulting water drains into the trough and it can be used in households as a whole.

Exciting trips through the desert valleys

For many years, the Atacama Desert in Chile has been a popular tourist destination. Excursions are sold here in the coastal towns of Iquique, Arica, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama and others. Here you can book a bus tour for yourself, which will include a guide. He will tell you the history of this area, its features, tell you about the dangers that lie here and about all the beauties. Also you can rent a car in the region and ride it yourself on this mysterious area. However, do not forget to take a map with you and get all the necessary recommendations from local residents so that your vacation does not become a real horror.

Astronomy and cinematography

As already noted above, numerous observatories have been built in the desert, from which the life of the cosmos is being monitored. Most of them are concentrated in the Lunar Valley, since this region in Atacama is the most arid, hence, the sky is the clearest. Also note that in this area, there have been many tests of space technology. Here, the rovers and satellites adapted to the new conditions, which after launching into the orbit of the red planet. Similarly, about what a large desert is in South America and what landscapes it is famous for, the directors also know. It is in the notorious Lunar Valley that many films on astronomical subjects, as well as action films and fantasy, are shot.

Age matters

Atakama is included in the list of the most ancient deserts that only exist on our planet. It was formed more than 20 million years ago, but some scientists even double this figure. The most interesting thing is that throughout these years, these lands have remained dry and sterile. For the first time people began to master them about 10 thousand years ago. They were tribes of Indians, who left on these lands objects of their life. In the conditions of dry climate, the bodies of those long dead have also been perfectly preserved - they have become mummies.

Comparing the Atacama Desert with its analogues

Listing the largest deserts of the world, scientists do not forget to mention in their list this natural zone. In the rating of the most extensive arid and deserted lands, it ranks 21st. It is preceded by such famous deserts as Antarctica, the Sahara, the Arctic desert belt, the Arabian sandy expanses, the Kalahari and the Australian red sand zones. Also slightly larger in size, the western valleys of the United States, where there are no conditions for living. But here one can single out that Atakama, although considered to be the largest and oldest desert, still differs greatly from other similar natural areas. There is not much sand here, as in the Sahara and Namibia, there are no oases and herbaceous plants typical for the East. Most of the Atacama are hard rocks, stones and rubble mixed with sand. Also there are low mountains that form valleys, where incredibly beautiful at any time of the year.