The Atacama Desert is a large arid plateau in South America covering parts of Chile and Argentina. It is one of the driest places on Earth with some areas receiving less than 1 mm (0.04 in) of rain per year. The desert has been used as a Mars analog by scientists studying the planet’s surface.
The Atacama Desert is thought to have formed about 10 million years ago when the Andes Mountains rose, blocking moisture from the Pacific Ocean from reaching the region. The climate has remained dry since then due to a combination of factors, including high elevation, low humidity, and cool temperatures.
Despite its extreme conditions, the Atacama Desert is home to a number of plant and animal species adapted to life in this harsh environment. These include lichens, cacti, and various types of rodents. Human settlement in the region dates back over 10,000 years ago and there are a number of archaeological sites that have been found in the desert.
Today, the Atacama Desert is an important source of minerals for Chile’s economy, including copper, lithium, and sodium nitrate. Tourism is also becoming an increasingly important part of the desert’s economy as more people visit to experience its unique landscapes and conditions.