Located among mountains on the part of Antarctica closest to New Zealand, the McMurdo Dry Valleys are among the most extreme deserts on the planet. The valleys are almost snow-free and receive an average of only 10 centimeter of water in the form of snow each year. The region is devoid of terrestrial vegetation and is considered as the driest place on earth.
McMurdo Dry Valleys cover an area of 4,800 square kilometers, around 0.03% of the continent. The valleys form the largest ice-free region in Antarctica. Dry Valleys are considered the closest of any terrestrial environment to the planet Mars by scientists. For this reason, the valleys are an important source of insights into possible extraterrestrial life.
McMurdo Dry Valleys cover an area of 4,800 square kilometers, around 0.03% of the continent. The valleys form the largest ice-free region in Antarctica. Dry Valleys are considered the closest of any terrestrial environment to the planet Mars by scientists. For this reason, the valleys are an important source of insights into possible extraterrestrial life.
