description Dasht-e Lut Overview
Dasht-e Lut is a vast salt desert located in southeastern Iran. It’s recognized internationally due to extreme environmental conditions and holds the record for the highest surface temperature ever recorded on Earth – 70.7 degrees Celsius. The area’s intense heat and unique geology make it significant for scientific research, particularly geological studies and climatological investigations. Researchers and specialists studying arid environments or extreme temperatures utilize data from this region.
insights Ranking position
Dasht-e Lut ranks #4 of 265 in the Plain ranking, behind Bengal Delta, ahead of East European Plain.
help Dasht-e Lut FAQ
Where is the Dasht-e Lut desert located?
Dasht-e Lut is a vast salt desert located in southeastern Iran, spanning parts of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. It is one of Iran's two major deserts, the other being the Dasht-e Kavir to the north.
What is the highest surface temperature ever recorded in Dasht-e Lut?
NASA satellite measurements recorded a ground surface temperature of 70.7 degrees Celsius in the Dasht-e Lut, the highest surface temperature ever documented on Earth. This measurement was taken via satellite rather than a traditional ground-level weather station.
Is Dasht-e Lut a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Lut Desert was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, recognized for its unique geological features including massive yardangs and extensive sand dunes. It was Iran's first natural property to receive this designation.
Can people travel through or live in Dasht-e Lut?
The extreme heat and arid conditions make most of the Dasht-e Lut largely uninhabitable, though there are settlements on its fringes. Guided desert expeditions do occur during cooler months, but travel requires careful preparation due to the harsh environment.
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