PPT Slide
The Andes, a mountain chain with
active volcanoes, form the eastern
boundary of the Atacama. These
photos are of Chile’s Lauca National
Park. The mountains capture rains
sweeping in from the east, and their
peaks are often snow-capped.
Meltwater forms lakes and marshes,
supporting a diversity of life.
The chereta is a small-boulder
sized plant; alive just surficially,
it stores heat during the day, and
is warmer than the environment