Why Brazil's vast, shifting desert is not actually a desert at all
In short: Lençóis Maranhenses looks like a classic desert, but it defies the definition. While true deserts receive less than 250 millimetres of rain annually, this Brazilian landscape experiences about 1,200 millimetres of rainfall. This paradox creates a surreal, temporary world of freshwater lagoons nestled between massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes.
Located in the state of Maranhão, this 155,000-hectare park is defined by its expansive barchanoid dune fields, which formed during the late Quaternary period. The sand is transported from the continent's interior by the Parnaíba and Preguiças rivers, then pushed up to 50 kilometres inland by persistent winds. These dunes can reach heights of 40 metres, creating a dramatic, undulating topography that has served as a backdrop for films like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
The park's most striking feature emerges during the rainy season, which typically spans from January to June. Rainwater pools in the valleys between dunes, forming vast lagoons that can reach 100 metres in length and 3 metres in depth. These pools are held in place by an impermeable rock layer beneath the sand, which prevents the water from draining away. During the peak of the season, these lagoons can cover as much as 41% of the park's total area, providing a habitat for species like the wolf fish, which survives the dry season by burrowing into the mud.
Despite its harsh appearance, the park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 133 plant species, 112 bird species, and at least 42 types of reptiles. It also supports four endangered species, including the scarlet ibis and the West Indian manatee. In July 2024, UNESCO recognized the site as a World Heritage Site, citing its exceptional beauty and unique natural characteristics. While the landscape appears static, it is a dynamic system; as the dry season returns, the lagoons evaporate at a rate of up to 1 metre per month, resetting the environment until the next cycle of rains begins.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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