I am a desert known for its extreme aridity and otherworldly landscapes. Geological formations resembling castles and mesas dot my expanse. My name comes from the Roman word for 'abandoned'. I've been used as a filming location for movies depicting alien planets.

1. I'm one of the oldest deserts in the world.
2. Rainfall is extremely rare, sometimes years apart.
3. My soil is rich in iron oxide, giving it a red hue in many areas.
4. I'm located in the southern hemisphere, in Africa.