Atacama Desert Dried 20 Million Years Earlier Than Previously Thought
New research indicates that Chile's Atacama Desert, a region currently receiving less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) of rainfall annually, began its arid formation more than 40 million years ago. This revised timeline places the desert's drying 20 million years earlier than previous estimates. The findings suggest the desert's central region was already arid before the Andes mountain range fully formed.
The Atacama Desert in Chile, recognized as one of the driest places on Earth, commenced its arid conditions over 40 million years ago, according to recent findings. This new timeline significantly pushes back the estimated age of the desert's central drying by 20 million years.
The extreme aridity, characterized by less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) of rainfall received annually in the region, was established before the complete formation of the Andes mountain range. This discovery re-evaluates previously held understandings regarding the geological and climatic factors that led to the desert's current state.
(Source: Live Science)
