Chile's Atacama Desert Bursts into Bloom After El Niño Rains⁣ ⁣ A spectacular display of wildflowers has blossomed across Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, following heavy rains brought by the El Niño climate phenomenon.⁣ Beneath the normally arid soil, millions of seeds and bulbs from around 200 plant species lie dormant, waiting for the rare arrival of water. Recent downpours triggered by the El Niño weather pattern swept across northern Chile, prompting this remarkable explosion of life.⁣ ⁣ Now, vast expanses of purple flowers blanket the desert, while delicate white blossoms emerge from the cracked earth. Dozens of tourists have stopped to capture the breathtaking scenery, which may even feature a rainbow arching over a deep red sunset.⁣ ⁣ The rainfall penetrated deeper than usual into the sandy soil, revitalizing the nature reserve located about 800 kilometers (500 miles) north of Santiago.⁣ According to CONAF, the "flowering desert" phenomenon is expected...