Klimaphänomen: Blütenpracht in Chiles Atacama-Wüste

In the Atacama Desert along Chile's Pacific coast, a remarkable phenomenon is underway: numerous flowers are blooming in one of the driest places on Earth. This curious situation in southern spring is attributed to a climate phenomenon known as "El Niño," according to Aida Baldini Urrutia, head of Chile's forestry agency Conaf. In an interview with CNN Chile, Urrutia explained how the "El Niño" phenomenon, which brings about rainfall, has led to the growth of 200 different plant species over an area of 17,000 square kilometers - a stark contrast to the desert's usual aridity.

The peak of floral splendor is expected to occur in October, with the plants remaining visible until the end of November, according to Urrutia. The forestry agency anticipates that approximately one million visitors from both Chile and abroad will come to admire the "flower sea" in the national parks of Desierto Florido, Llanos de Cháyes, and Pan de Azúcar during this period.

"El Niño" is a global climate event that disrupts weather patterns worldwide. It is caused by weaker trade winds over the equatorial Pacific, as explained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). When warm water and clouds reach the otherwise arid coast of South America, it results in increased precipitation, which can lead to flooding.

"El Niño" events typically last nine to twelve months, reaching their peak between November and February and occur every two to seven years. The name "El Niño" translates to "The Christ Child" in Spanish. It was given by fishermen in Peru who first noticed the temperature rise in the ocean during the Christmas season. The World Meteorological Organization has predicted a very strong "El Niño" for this year.