Description
McMurdo Dry Valleys represent the largest ice-free region in Antarctica. Located near McMurdo (USA) and Scott (NZ) bases, they feature an environment as inhospitable as it is fragile. Among the most arid and windiest places on the planet, they harbor a unique ecosystem unchanged for millions of years, with sparse vegetation adapted to these extreme conditions. They have been granted special protected status. A few square kilometers in Taylor Valley, out of the 15,000 km² total, are designated for tourism.
Wright Glacier, above Wright Valley, is divided into two sections separated by spectacular glacial cascades. It gives rise to one of the continent's rare rivers, Onyx, the longest at 30 kilometers.