▲ 458 r/askscience
What is it that makes Death Valley's climate so unique compared to the surrounding area?
Looking at satellite maps of Death Valley, it seems that large swaths of southeastern California, Nevada and western Utah have very similar topography to Death Valley. High desert with many flats, relatively low mountain ranges and many valleys and washes. What is it about Death Valley that makes it's climate so eccentric compared to the similar surrounding areas to give it it's namesake?
u/HoboWithANerfGun — 15 days ago