This desert hasn't seen rain in 2 million years
Imagine a place that literally forgot what rain looks like
You'd think the driest place on Earth is some sun-scorched dune…
How much of what you believe about this is about to survive?
Stake it now. No takebacks.
- Imagine a place that literally forgot what rain looks like
- The air here is so devoid of water that the Sahara Desert looks like a swamp by comparison.
- Deep beneath this dry surface lies a salty lake five times saltier than the ocean, which never freezes despite being far below the temperature of ice.
The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica have not seen a single drop of rain or a snowflake in nearly two million years. While the rest of the continent is buried under miles of ice, these valleys are bone-dry dirt and rock.
This happens because of Katabatic winds. Gravity pulls heavy, cold air down from the mountains at speeds of 200 miles per hour. As this air rushes down, it heats up and evaporates every molecule of moisture in its path. It is essentially a giant, freezing blow-dryer.
The air here is so devoid of water that the Sahara Desert looks like a swamp by comparison. NASA uses this landscape to test Mars rovers because the conditions are the closest match to the Red Planet found anywhere on our globe.
Two questions. Prove you actually read it.
Get both right and this discovery is certified: +50 XP toward your next rank. No account needed.
100 questions that make people say “wait, what?”
Get the complete Ultimate Trivia Pack instantly. It is free right now, works on mobile, and is printable.
Discussion (0)
No account needed. Drop your name, say what surprised you.
Loading…