The Atacama Desert is historically known as the driest place on the planet. But an unexpected turn of events has allowed the desert to wake up bathed in color and life.
In recent years, the Atacama Desert has experienced changes in climate. Climate change has caused an increase in rainfall in areas where there was hardly any water. This has given rise to a curious phenomenon that occurs every few years, known as the 'Flowering Desert'.
Apart from being a spectacle for everyone to see, the flowering also has (positive) implications for the flora and fauna of the area. In the desert there are many endemic plants and flowers that are highly endangered and that only bloom in that area. This means that rain and humidity stimulate the desert ecosystem.
According to experts, this year's bloom has been one of the most spectacular in almost two decades. Here are some photos of the Atacama Desert in bloom.
In recent years, the Atacama Desert has experienced changes in climate. Climate change has caused an increase in rainfall in areas where there was hardly any water. This has given rise to a curious phenomenon that occurs every few years, known as the 'Flowering Desert'.
Photo. AFP- Patricio López Castillo
What is really unusual is to see this place in bloom during this time of year. It should be noted that the desert is located in the north of Chile, where it is the middle of winter, and normally the Atacama Desert blooms during spring (between September and November). But heavy rains have turned the desert purple and white. And on this occasion, the cause of the bloom was the meteorological phenomenon 'El Niño'.Apart from being a spectacle for everyone to see, the flowering also has (positive) implications for the flora and fauna of the area. In the desert there are many endemic plants and flowers that are highly endangered and that only bloom in that area. This means that rain and humidity stimulate the desert ecosystem.
According to experts, this year's bloom has been one of the most spectacular in almost two decades. Here are some photos of the Atacama Desert in bloom.
