you do not know what is the largest desert in South America?So to answer you: "It's Atacama!".It is located in the northern part of the state of Chile and the west regard to the Pacific Ocean.These lands are considered the most arid in the world - over four hundred years there was not observed any significant rainfall.Also worth noting is that if anywhere lists the major deserts of the world, the Atacama certainly is one of them.
General description of the region
Nature Area is called Atacama in Chile.It originates from the border with Peru and stretches 1,000 kilometers to the south, along the waters of the Pacific Ocean.Features of the local landscape lies in the fact that the entire desert is located in highlands.High altitude provide the region rarefied air, which increases the effects of solar radiation.Precipitation, which boasts the desert in South America - no more than 10 mm.Some of its area is not rained for more than 400 years.It is in these places the land of absolute sterility.There is no vegetation, no animals or reptiles.
striking fact
Many travelers know what is the largest desert in South America, and that many of its regions are not suitable for even the existence of insects.But few people realize that on this land still inhabited!The coastal areas are formed by fishing villages, small ports, which are surrounded by little houses of local residents.On average, there are about a million people.Also worth noting is that, not only on the Pacific coast, but in the depths of the Atacama desert islands are human civilization.There are built astronomical observatories from which observations are made each year.Scientists believe that this place is the most appropriate for space surveillance, because there is never a cloud.
desert climate
largest desert in South America has the most dry in the world's climate.However, this does not mean that there is always hot and sultry.The hottest months of the year is considered here in January.During this period, the thermometer shows us from 18 to 20 Celsius day.At night, the thermometer can drop to 5-7 mark.July - on the contrary, a cool month.The daytime temperature here ranges from 13-15 Celsius and night reaches 0, the less there are frosts.It was in the winter in the desert fogs often occur.This is perhaps one of the most interesting natural anomalies.In this region, the climate at the same time a very dry and humid, due to fumes that come from the Pacific Ocean.
reason dryness
Once we found out what the largest deserts in South America, we turn to the study of the question of why the land in the region is the most arid, moreover, why they are considered to be the driest inworld.The answer is simple: "Because there is never going to rain."But what is the reason for this anomaly, particularly given the fact that Atacama is in close proximity to the ocean?The reason is precisely in this reservoir - or rather, in the cold Humboldt current that comes from the Antarctica.The winds that pick up moisture from these waters are cooled at their expense.As a result, there is insufficient amount of atmospheric heat to the rain.As for the wind, which can bring a wet cyclone is the main part of the continent, they do not reach here.On the eastern border of Chile all the clouds linger highest mountains - the Andes, and thus the largest desert in South America is without a single drop of water.
Mists Atacama Desert
only source of vital moisture in the desert - a mist that immediately called camanchacas.However, the atmospheric phenomenon is very different from what we used to see in our area.Camanchacas is a very thick watery clouds, which are located above the ground is very low.These clouds are constantly transformed into dew, which feeds liquid a few desert plants.Among them are such as all kinds of cactuses, ferns, various shrubs and herbs.Also, this moisture feed local birds and insects.As for the people, they have learned to benefit from the fog Only in the 80s of the last century.The essence of the procedure is simple: set a special grid that retains moisture.It is positioned vertically, and underneath is the trough.After the moisture retained therein, resulting in water flowing down the chute and it can be used in household integers.
exciting journey through the desert valley
For many years, the Atacama Desert in Chile is a popular tourist destination.Trips are sold in the coastal cities of Iquique, Arica, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, and others.Here you can order for yourself a bus tour that will include a guide.It will tell you the history of the neighborhood, its features, talk about the dangers that lurk here and all the beauty.You can also rent a car in the region and their own ride on this mysterious terrain.However, do not forget to bring a map and get all the necessary recommendations from locals, so that your holiday does not become a real horror.
Astronomy and cinema
As noted above, in the desert built numerous observatories from which monitored the life of the cosmos.Most of them are concentrated in the Valley of the Moon, since this region is the most arid Atacama, therefore, there is the clear sky.Also note that in this region has been marked by trials of space technology.There have adapted to the new conditions rovers and satellites that are in orbit after the launch of the red planet.Similarly, on what is the largest desert in South America, and what scenery it is famous, and directors know.It was in the notorious Moon Valley shot many movies on astronomical topics, as well as militants and fantasy.
Age matters
Atacama is a list of the most ancient desert that only has on our planet.It was formed over 20 million years ago, some scientists even double this figure.The most interesting is the fact that during all these years, these lands have remained dry and sterile.For the first time people began to explore them about 10 thousand years ago.These were the tribes of Indians who left on these lands subject of his life.The dry climate also perfectly preserved body of long-dead - they have turned into a mummy.
Comparing the Atacama Desert with its counterparts
lists the major deserts of the world, scientists do not forget to mention in his list of this natural area.In the ranking of the most extensive arid and deserted land it occupies 21 place.It is ahead of such well-known of the desert, like Antarctica, the Sahara, the Arctic desert zone, Arabian sandy expanses of the Kalahari and the Australian red sands area.Also, a little more on the sizes valley western United States, where there are no conditions for living.But it can be identified that the Atacama, though it is considered a huge and oldest desert, after all, is very different from other similar natural areas.There is not much sand as the Sahara and Namibia, is not typical for the East oases and herbaceous plants.Most of the Atacama - it is solid rock, stones and gravel mixed with sand.Also here there are low mountains that form the valley where incredibly beautiful at any time of the year.
