The driest places on the planet
Officially, the places with the least precipitation on the planet are Arica, in Chile, En Al’Kufrah, in Libya, and Aswan and Luxor, in Egypt, with 0.8 liters per year. However, there is an even drier area: the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica. These valleys have not received precipitation in hundreds or even thousands of years. Scientists explain that this area is surrounded by high mountains that block the entry of moisture and increase the strength of the katabatic winds. These winds can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h with humidity of 1% to 5%. In addition, there is no snow or ice in this area, and there are even sand dunes. With an area of 4,800 square kilometers, it is the only area of Antarctica that is free of snow or ice throughout the year. Here is the saltiest lake on the planet, with 500 grams of salt per liter, which prevents it from freezing even at temperatures of -55°C.
Unexplained weather phenomena
Conrad Lycosthenes (1518-1561), a Swiss philosopher, theologian and chronicler of inexplicable phenomena, compiled in his book ‘The Book of Wonders’ more than 1,500 portentous events in history. Among them are surprising meteorological phenomena. For example, rains of toads, rains of fish and even rains of blood are mentioned. Although some of these explanations may have a logical basis, such as whirlpools or small tornadoes that suck water from puddles and deposit it at great distances, others are more difficult to explain. For example, the rain of crosses in Sicily in the year 746 or the description of the passage of Haley’s Comet as ‘a burning star’ that announces great catastrophes.
Curiosities of nature
In addition to meteorological phenomena, nature surprises us with even more incredible wonders. In the book of Lycosthenes there are graphic representations and detailed accounts of strange beings, such as men with two heads or six arms, pigs with human faces, chickens with five legs and even people without heads but with eyes, nose and mouth. on the chest. These oddities are worthy of The Twilight Zone. Although some of these descriptions may seem exaggerated or fantastic, they show us the fascination that has existed throughout history for inexplicable phenomena and the wonders of nature.
The Time of Picó and Freixes
Alfred Rodríguez Picó and Xavi Freixes will once again make the weather forecast together on ElNacional.cat next Thursday, May 23. Do not miss it!
