Capitalization Rule: "Atacama Desert" — Desert Lowercase

Correct: "Atacama Desert" — Atacama capitalized (proper noun), desert lowercase (common noun).

The Rule

In geographic names, **the generic term (desert, mountain, river, lake, island) is lowercase** unless it's part of a formal proper name that includes it (rare).

Examples

Exceptions (Generic Capitalized)

• Formal titles: "The Desert" (in a specific document defining it)
• Personification/poetic: "The Desert calls"
• Specific named deserts where "Desert" is embedded: "Death Valley" (no desert), "Mojave Desert" (desert lowercase)

Style Guides Agree

• AP Stylebook: "Lowercase generic geographic terms"
• Chicago Manual: "Generic terms are lowercased"
• USGS GNIS: Official names: "Atacama Desert" (feature class: Desert)
• Wikipedia MoS: "Desert" lowercase in "Atacama Desert"

Why It Matters

Consistency signals professionalism. In scientific writing, "the Atacama desert" (lowercase) emphasizes the *type*; "the Atacama Desert" (capitalized) emphasizes the *named entity*. Both appear — but **never** "Atacama desert" (proper noun lowercase).