Peru current to influence dry condition of Atacama Desert
Q. Which of the following cold current is associated with dry conditions of Atacama Desert?- Published on 09 Nov 15a. Benguela
b. Canary
c. Peru
d. Brazil
ANSWER: Peru
- The Atacama Desert occupies the northern part of Chile and small parts of the neighboring countries of Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.
- It is approximately 1000 kilometers in length and about 150 kilometers at its widest. It is the driest desert on earth with some places having never recorded rainfall.
- Atacama lies in a rain shadow.
- Also air generally rises at the equator and moves towards the poles.
- The air gradually cools and eventually falls back to earth between 20 and 25 degrees south (exactly where the Atacama is), creating high pressure.
- Atacama lies close to an ocean where a cold current flows northwards up the coastline. The Pacific Ocean is therefore colder than might be expected at this latitude.
- Any on-shore winds are chilled when they cross the current and don't have enough warmth to pick up moisture from the ocean surface. So, unlike most winds from the seas and oceans, these ones are dry.
