Salar de Coposa, Salt flat basin in Tarapacá Region, Chile.
Salar de Coposa is a salt basin located in the Tarapacá Region at high altitude in the Andes. The landscape features salt flats, shallow water bodies, and surrounding terrain shaped by natural drainage patterns from underground sources.
This salt basin developed through geological processes and has functioned as a natural reservoir fed by underground water sources for ages. The steady underground flows shaped the salt deposits and allowed the landscape to persist as it appears today.
The salt flat connects to several ravines that drain into the Pampa del Tamarugal, including Caya, Guatacondo, and Chacarillas, supporting local agricultural practices.
This location sits at high altitude with dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Visitors should prepare for harsh conditions and bring suitable gear for highland environments.
The area displays stark differences between potential moisture loss and actual rainfall, reflecting the extreme conditions of highland climate. These contrasts make it a remarkable location for understanding dry high-altitude ecosystems.
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