The Secret of Atacama – How Life Survives in the Driest Place on Earth

The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, sustains life thanks to the marine fog known as 'camanchaca'. Lichens instantly absorb moisture from the air, coming alive in the fog and lying dormant in dry periods. People use 'fog catchers' to collect water, which has provided drinking water for the village of Chungungo and enabled crop cultivation. Scientists see potential for arid regions, but climate change threatens this fragile balance.

The Atacama Desert, recognized as the driest place on Earth where weather stations have recorded zero precipitation for decades, nonetheless supports life. The secret lies in the Pacific Ocean: the cold Humboldt Current forms a dense sea fog called 'camanchaca', which moves inland and settles as condensed droplets on rocks and plants. Local flora, particularly lichens, have adapted to instantly absorb moisture from the fog, triggering photosynthesis, and to enter a dormant state when dry. People have also adapted: in the region, 'fog catchers'—mesh structures that collect water—are installed. A striking example is the fishing village of Chungungo, where about a hundred such nets have provided drinking water for hundreds of people and enabled the cultivation of potatoes and lemons. Fog water is not distilled and requires filtration due to microorganisms and sea salt. Scientists see potential in the camanchaca for arid regions, but global climate change threatens this fragile balance, affecting the height and intensity of the fogs.