Topic

Extreme Environments

3 facts

  • Earth109 views

    The Deepest Point on Earth Is Deeper Than Mount Everest Is Tall

    The Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean plunges to nearly 36,070 feet (10,994 meters) at its Challenger Deep. If Mount Everest were placed at this spot, its peak would still be over a mile underwater.

  • Earth99 views

    Antarctica Is Technically the World's Largest Desert

    A desert is defined by its low precipitation, not necessarily high temperatures. Antarctica receives less than 200 millimeters (7.9 inches) of precipitation annually, almost entirely as snow, making it the coldest and largest desert.

  • Earth107 views

    The Driest Place on Earth Has Seen No Rain for Millions of Years

    The Atacama Desert in Chile experiences extreme aridity due to a rain shadow effect and cold ocean currents. Some areas have not recorded rainfall for millions of years, making it a crucial research site for conditions similar to Mars.