Imagine a desert so dry that NASA tests Mars rovers there – now picture it exploding with white and purple flowers! Chile’s Atacama Desert, often called Earth’s driest non-polar desert, is experiencing an unusually early bloom this year after heavy winter rains drenched its parched soil.
Normally receiving just 15mm of rain annually, the desert’s hidden seeds and bulbs – evolved to survive decades underground – have awakened months ahead of their typical spring schedule. Scientists say this rare event, locally called \“desierto florido\” (flowering desert), usually happens every 5-7 years but has now occurred for the second time since 2022.
Why does this matter? The bloom acts like a natural climate tracker. While residents and tourists marvel at the pastel-colored landscape, researchers are studying whether shifting weather patterns linked to Pacific Ocean currents or broader climate trends caused the surprise showers.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
Chile’s Atacama Desert, often called Earth’s driest non-polar desert, is experiencing an unusually early bloom this year after heavy winter rains drenched its parched soil.
Normally receiving just 15mm of rain annually, the desert’s hidden seeds and bulbs – evolved to survive decades underground – have awakened months ahead of their typical spring schedule. Scientists say this rare event, locally called \“desierto florido\” (flowering desert), usually happens every 5-7 years but has now occurred for the second time since 2022.
Why does this matter? The bloom acts like a natural climate tracker. While residents and tourists marvel at the pastel-colored landscape, researchers are studying whether shifting weather patterns linked to Pacific Ocean currents or broader climate trends caused the surprise showers.
Beijing Blooms After Spring Rain: A Colorful Urban…
