The
“flowering desert” also called “desierto florido” is a climatic
phenomenon that occurs at the Atacama Desert, in Chile. The magnificent
phenomenon comprises of the blossoming of a wide range of flowers in the
months of September and November every year. The flowering starts when
rainfall is unusually high, a normally this region receives less than 12
mm of rain a year. The flowers blossoming take place when the
infrequent level of rainfall reach the seeds and bulbs that have been in
a latent or dormant state and roots them to germinate in early spring.
Therefore, it is accompanied by the propagation of insects, birds and
minor species of lizard. At its height, the phenomenon can be seen from
just south of the city of Vallenar to just north of the city of Copiapó
throughout the coastal valleys and Chilean Coast Range. The phenomenon
is strictly dependent on above-average rainfall, although highly
excessive rainfall has been seen to limit blooming. The area proved to
be one of the chief sources of Chile’s wealth until World War I. The
Atacama Desert is one of the driest and one of the oldest deserts places
on Earth.
Climatically,
the event is related to the El Niño phenomenon, a band of anomalously
warm ocean water temperatures that occasionally develops off the western
coast of South America, which can lead to an increase in evaporation
and therefore precipitation. Due to gorgeous beauty of flowering desert,
the site has been emerge in popular tourist attraction with visitors
visiting the climatic phenomenon from various points around the southern
Atacama, including Huasco Vallenar, La Serena, Copiapo and Cladera. The
flowering desert comprises over two hundred species of flower, most of
them endemic to the Atacama region. The different species germinate at
different times through the flowering desert period.
Some
of the most common species include Garra de león, Pata de guanaco,
Añañuca, Schizopetalon tenuifolium. This area is also home to cacti,
succulents and other examples of xerophilous plants, as well as animal
species including the Tuco-tuco and the Four-Eyed Frog. In recent times,
various concerns have been raised by environmental organizations
regarding the possibly damaging effects of large numbers of tourists
visiting the flowering desert, the illegal trade of native flower
species, and the development of motorsport. Chilean Government has
established a series of prohibitions and control in response of
environmental organizations has suggested that these activities limit
the potential for regeneration of the existing species. In addition to
informative campaigns to the public, and especially to tourists, in
order to limit the damage.
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