The salt flats in northern Chile are among the most arid and empty places on Earth. But they’re not silent. As the temperature changes throughout the day, the earth’s crust begins to crack, with a strange groaning and heaving and clanking. Photographs and photo illustration (night) by Thierry Cohen. Field recordings by Bethan and Robert Kellough.

NYTMAG Sonic Voyages

[email protected] (The New York Times Magazine)

Atacama Desert, Chile

SEP 21, 20183 MIN
NYTMAG Sonic Voyages

Atacama Desert, Chile

SEP 21, 20183 MIN

Description

The salt flats in northern Chile are among the most arid and empty places on Earth. But they’re not silent. As the temperature changes throughout the day, the earth’s crust begins to crack, with a strange groaning and heaving and clanking. Photographs and photo illustration (night) by Thierry Cohen. Field recordings by Bethan and Robert Kellough.