Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert is nestled between the Andes Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Read more about Atacama Desert, Location, Bordering Countries, Latest News.

Atacama Desert
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Atacama Desert Latest News

Recently, it was observed that light pollution is threatening the world’s darkest skies in the Atacama desert.

About Atacama Desert

  • Location: It is the driest desert in the world, located in northern Chile.
  • It is nestled between the Andes Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
  • It forms a continuous strip for nearly 1,000 km along the narrow coast of the northern third of Chile. 
  • Bordered by: It is bordered by Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia
  • It also hosts 12 volcanoes, mainly located in the western outliers of the Andes.
  • Rainfall: Average rainfall in this region is about 1 mm per year. Some locations within the desert have never had any rainfall whatsoever.
  • Temperature: Temperatures are comparatively mild throughout the year. The average temperature in the desert is about 63 degrees F (18 degrees C).
  • Natural Resources: This region has the largest natural supply of Sodium Nitrate, which can be used for producing fertilizers and explosives, amongst other things. 
  • Chinchorro Mummies: The oldest artificially mummified human remains have been found in the Atacama Desert.

Source: TH

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Atacama Desert FAQs

Q1. Atacama Desert is located in which country?+

Q2. Which is the world’s highest active volcano located in Atacama region?+

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