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Dry Valleys travel wonder in Antarctica |
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Why the They are one of the driest places on earth. Rainfall has been extremely rare during the past two million years.
Dry Valleys tips & insights
When NASA noticed a similarity between the ultra dry landscapes of Mars and the Dry Valleys, it decided to conduct research in these desolate Antarctica valleys in preparation for its Viking missions to Mars.
This 4,000 square kilometer (1600 square mile) area is one of the few Antarctica places not covered with ice. The two main reasons:
The Dry Valleys are near the Ross Ice Shelf, and even closer to the US operated McMurdo Station. The latter is known for its ecological and environmental research.
They are separated by iceless mountain ridges. Their names are Taylor, Victoria and Wright.
The valley floors are scattered with small and large rocks. Some of the rocks have been shaped over time into grotesque forms by the valley's strong winds.
The land is not entirely lifeless. Some small scale life (including fungi) have evolved into life forms that live inside the porous rocks.
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What it's like
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