When was the Atacama Desert first recognized as one of the driest places on Earth?
Quick Answer
The Atacama’s extreme aridity was widely recognized by scientists in the 19th century, especially after systematic exploration in the 1800s.
The Full Story
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile was recognized as extraordinarily dry during 19th-century exploration and scientific study. European and South American observers documented its near-total lack of rainfall and its barren landscapes, and by the late 1800s it was widely regarded as one of the driest places on Earth. Modern weather stations later confirmed just how extreme the climate is in parts of the desert. The Atacama is now also important for astronomy because of its clear skies.
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