3 articles | last updated: Jul 11 16:53:35
Unusual rainfall and El Niño conditions bring early flowering to the world's driest desert.
- The Atacama Desert, typically barren, is now covered in purple and white flowers.
- This winter bloom, last seen in 2015, is due to rare rainfall and low cloud cover.
- The phenomenon, known as 'desierto florido,' usually happens in the southern spring.
- Scientists are studying whether this early bloom is linked to climate change or El Niño.
- The current bloom covers a few hundred square kilometers, less than the typical spring bloom.
People, Places and Things In This Story
- Atacama Desert Desert in Chile
- Chile Country in South America
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