The world's 'driest' desert that hasn't seen a drop of rain in 500 years

This hot desert area has not seen rain in five centuries and it’s so dry it’s gained a reputation for its record-breaking lack of precipitation.

The Atacama Desert, in Chile, is the driest non-polar desert on Earth and it’s also the site of a rare phenomenon.

Spanning over 600 miles along the Pacific Coast of South America, it is one of the most extreme landscapes on the planet.

Some areas of the desert have received zero rainfall throughout recorded history, making the Atacama Desert the driest place on Earth.

In other areas of the desert where tiny amounts of rainfall have occurred over the years, a rare phenomenon has taken place.

(The desert spans over 600 miles (Image: Getty Images)

When small amounts of rainfall hit the area, a wide variety of flowers blossom over the barren landscape.

Between the months of September and November is when this has happened most due to these being the most likely months for small amounts of precipitation.

The land is so dry that a rapid response is triggered from the dormant seeds that are scattered throughout the desert.

These seeds are able to remain viable for many years, waiting for the right conditions to germinate and grow.

When the rains finally come, the seeds quickly sprout, and within a few days, the desert floor can be transformed into a vibrant carpet of colorful flowers, reports Our Planet.

(Some parts of the desert have not seen rainfall in 500 years (Image: Getty Images)

Ref: The world's 'driest' desert that hasn't seen a drop of rain in 500 years Photo Credit-Getty Images