The hottest place on Earth
The hottest place on Earth ever recorded is the Lut Desert, located in Iran. This arid and inhospitable desert caught the attention of scientists when measurements taken by NASA satellites recorded an impressive 80.8°C on the surface. This record was identified in 2005 and reaffirmed in subsequent measurements, making the Lut Desert one of the most extreme environments on the planet.
Unlike the air temperatures officially recorded at meteorological stations, such as the 56.7°C at Furnace Creek in Death Valley (USA), the temperature measured in the Lut Desert refers to the extreme heat of the ground, which absorbs and radiates solar energy intensely. The lack of vegetation and the composition of the dark soil contribute to this heat retention, turning the region into a veritable natural oven.
The Lut Desert is so hostile that there is practically no life in much of its area. With strong winds and extremely low humidity, it represents one of the most extreme environments for any living being. This region continues to be studied by scientists to better understand the impacts of climate change and how extreme heat affects different ecosystems.
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