Which is cited as the oldest desert in the world?

The Namib Desert is often recognized as the oldest desert in the world, with its formation dating back approximately 55 million years. This prolonged period of aridity has contributed to the desert's unique ecosystems and adaptations of flora and fauna, making it a subject of significant interest in studies of desertification and climate evolution. The Namib Desert's age is supported by geological and climatic evidence, indicating that it has maintained desert conditions for a much longer time than many other deserts, which have undergone cyclical wet and dry periods.

In contrast, other deserts, such as the Sahara and Kalahari, are younger in geological terms, having formed under different climatic conditions over a shorter time span. The Atacama Desert, while known for being one of the driest places on Earth, also has a history that does not extend back as far as that of the Namib. Understanding the age and development of these deserts contributes to insights about climate change, geology, and ecosystems.