Millions of flowers are currently blooming in Chile's Atacama Desert. Despite being one of the driest regions in the world, the heavy rainfall in this desert has activated seeds and bulbs present underground. This rain, associated with El Niño, is resulting in purple and white flowers appearing in several parts of Atacama. According to Chile's National Forest Corporation (CONAF), this floral spectacle is expected to peak in October, with an estimated bloom area of approximately 15 thousand hectares.
The Atacama Desert is located in the northern part of Chile, about 800 kilometers from its capital, Santiago. Rainfall in this region is typically very low, causing many plant seeds and bulbs to remain dormant underground for long periods. When they receive sufficient water, they begin to sprout again. This time, over 180 millimeters of rain was recorded in some locations, which is an excessive amount for that area. A large portion of this water reached the depth of the sand, giving underground plants the opportunity to develop.
This floral display in Atacama did not happen suddenly; seeds and bulbs of nearly 200 different plant species reside underground here. During the dry season, these plants remain in a state of stasis, and as soon as adequate moisture and rain arrive, they become active again.
According to CONAF in Chile, over 200 types of plants can be seen in this 'Flowering Desert'. These include plants adapted to survive in the extremely low-moisture soil of the desert. Some parts of these plants remain safe underground and emerge to develop flowers and leaves when the appropriate season arrives.
Over 180 millimeters of rain was recorded in some parts of Atacama this time. Cesar Pizarro, a biodiversity expert from CONAF in Atacama, stated that such high rainfall had never been recorded in some places before. The excess water seeped deep into the ground, providing the plants with sustained moisture.
As a result of this rain, large clusters of purple and white flowers are visible in the desert. In Chile, this phenomenon is called the 'Flowering Desert'. This event does not happen the same every year; it requires sufficient rainfall at the right time and necessary moisture in the soil.
According to CONAF's estimates, this magnificent sight of flowers in Atacama may be most visible in October this year, with an estimated bloom covering approximately 15 thousand hectares. After the rain, not only do the plants become active, but insects, bees, birds, and other small creatures also appear in greater numbers throughout the area.
Pollen from these flowers is also important for these creatures. A large number of tourists are visiting to see this natural spectacle, and many people stop by the roadside to take pictures of the flowers. However, officials have urged tourists not to harm the plants and to stay on designated paths.
The main reason for the flowering in Atacama this time is considered to be the rain associated with El Niño. During the El Niño period, the sea surface temperature in some parts of the Pacific Ocean rises above normal, which can cause changes in air and rainfall patterns. This time, its effect also impacted the northern part of Chile.
However, the impact of the rain from El Niño was not limited only to the flowers. Reports indicate that heavy rains in some parts of Chile in July caused damage, resulting in the death of at least 13 people and damage or complete destruction of approximately 4 thousand homes. Thus, the rain that brought life to the vegetation in Atacama also created difficulties in some parts of the country during the same season.
This floral spectacle will gradually fade after the rain lessens and the ground dries out, but the seeds and underground parts of many plants will remain safe. The Atacama could once again be covered in flowers the next time they receive the appropriate amount of rain.