Atacama Desert's extreme aridity initiated 20 million years earlier than previously thought, study finds
忧 </think> A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Atacama Desert became extremely arid at least 40 million years ago, much earlier than previously believed. Researchers used cosmogenic nuclides in quartz pebbles to show that the desert's hyperarid conditions have persisted for tens of millions of years with minimal surface disturbance. This finding challenges existing theories about desert formation and highlights the Atacama as Earth's longest continuously dry region. The research provides new insights into long-term climate change and the evolution of extreme environments.
A study shows the Atacama Desert became extremely dry about 40 million years ago, much earlier than previously believed.
This changes our understanding of how deserts form and how Earth's extreme environments have evolved over time.
It highlights the importance of scientific research in reshaping our knowledge of Earth's history and natural processes.
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