The Atacama Desert in Chile is located between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its extreme dryness, receiving less than 15mm of rainfall annually, which makes it one of the clearest locations on Earth for observing the night sky. The desert is also home to the world’s largest radio telescope. Recently, however, an unusual phenomenon has occurred as the normally arid landscape has been transformed by vibrant wildflowers, blooming due to significant rainfall during the winter months in the southern hemisphere.
This event typically takes place every few years when increased rainfall activates dormant seeds in the desert. Notably, the Atacama experienced over 12mm of rain in August alone, much of which fell on a single day. Additionally, a rare snowfall was recorded in June, adding to the unusual weather patterns for the region.
The recent floral bloom features over 200 different species of wildflowers, including some that are unique to the area. This natural display is generally observed between late August and November. While such blooms are considered rare, they also occurred in 2024 following another period of heavy rainfall. According to CONAF, Chile’s National Forest Corporation, this year’s floral display is expected to reach its peak for a few more weeks. The transformation of the Atacama Desert’s landscape raises questions about climate patterns and their impact on ecosystems in arid regions.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrp52gx075o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss