The Namib Desert is often considered potentially the oldest desert in the world.
Why the Namib Desert is Considered the Oldest
Based on geological evidence, the Namib Desert in Southern Africa has a remarkably long history of enduring arid or semi-arid conditions. According to assessments, the Namib may be the oldest desert in the world, having maintained these dry conditions for an astonishing roughly 55–80 million years.
This extensive period of dryness sets the Namib apart. Its long-term stability under these harsh climatic conditions is a primary factor in its designation as a potential oldest desert.
Key characteristics contributing to this claim include:
- Sustained Aridity: The region has experienced continuous arid or semi-arid climates for tens of millions of years.
- Geological Age: Its estimated age range is significantly older than many other desert formations globally.
Comparing the Namib and Atacama
While the Namib is a leading candidate for the oldest desert title, it's worth noting that it contains some of the world's driest regions. In terms of both age and aridity benchmarks, only western South America's Atacama Desert is typically mentioned as a significant challenger.
Here's a brief comparison based on the reference:
| Desert Name | Estimated Age (Namib) | Aridity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Namib | 55–80 million years | Very arid conditions | May be the oldest in the world |
| Atacama Desert | Challenges Namib's age | Challenges Namib's aridity | Located in western South America |
While the reference does not provide a specific age for the Atacama, its mention as a challenger highlights that the title of "oldest" among extremely ancient deserts is subject to ongoing research and specific criteria used for dating.
Key Takeaway
Ultimately, the designation of the Namib Desert as potentially the world's oldest is based on strong evidence of its sustained arid history over a vast geological timescale of 55 to 80 million years.
