Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Death Valley: The Hottest Place on Earth



Temperature reading at Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley
The highest temperature ever recorded in the world was in Death Valley on July 10, 1913 at a whopping 134 degrees. During the late afternoon of our first day in Death Valley National Park, the temperature at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center read 112 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
There are a few reasons why Death Valley experiences such extreme temperatures. The most obvious reason though is the elevation. On our second day in Death Valley we visited the Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level which is not only the lowest point in the valley but the lowest point in North America. It wasn't 134 degrees on our visit but it was oppressively hot by the time we got there around noon. Signs throughout the park warn agains walking after 10 a.m. and they aren't kidding. 

Salt Flats at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park

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