Sands of Wonder: Deserts around the world and their unique facts

Dec2,2024

The world's largest salt flat transforms into a massive mirror during the rainy season, reflecting the sky and creating a surreal landscape.

Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)

The Namib is considered the world's oldest desert, dating back at least 55 million years.  

Namib Desert (Namibia)  

Known as the driest place on Earth, parts of the Atacama have not seen significant rainfall for over 400 years. 

Atacama Desert (Chile) 

Unlike most deserts, the Gobi has cold winters, with temperatures dropping to -40°C (-40°F).  

Gobi Desert (China and Mongolia)

This desert in New Mexico consists of gypsum crystals, which give it its bright white appearance.  

White Sands Desert (USA)  

The Antarctic is the largest desert on Earth and the coldest, windiest, and driest continent.  

Antarctic Desert (Antarctica)

The world's largest continuous sand desert, it spans four countries and has dunes over 250 meters high. 

Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter, Arabian Peninsula) 

This desert in Western Australia is famous for its limestone pillars, which can reach up to 3.5 meters in height.  

Pinnacles Desert (Australia)  

Known as one of the hottest places on Earth, surface temperatures in this desert have reached a staggering 70.7°C (159.3°F).

Dasht-e Lut (Iran)