MasteryExams
Geography • World GeographyEasy

Which desert, located primarily in northern Chile and southern Peru, is considered one of the driest non-polar deserts on Earth?

A. Sahara Desert
B. Atacama Desert✓ Correct Answer
C. Kalahari Desert
D. Patagonian Desert

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Atacama Desert, situated in South America between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is widely recognized as one of the driest non-polar deserts globally due to the rain shadow effect and the cold Humboldt Current. It experiences virtually zero rainfall over long periods, making it an ideal location for astronomical observatories. Other listed deserts like the Sahara or Kalahari occupy different climatic and geographic zones.

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