Which of the following places is widely recorded as one of the hottest places in the world, holding the record for extreme air temperature?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on extreme climate and asks about the hottest place in the world based on recorded air temperature. Meteorological records and world climate data are important not only for science but also for general knowledge. Death Valley in California is often cited in this context because of the extremely high air temperature recorded there.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Options include Death Valley (USA), Dallol (Ethiopia), Al Aziziyah (Libya) and the Lut Desert (Iran).
• We consider record high air temperatures measured by official or widely accepted sources.
• We are not focusing on satellite-derived land surface temperature, but on instrument-based air temperature at weather stations.

Concept / Approach:
For many years, a record from Al Aziziyah, Libya, was considered the highest, but later it was disqualified by the World Meteorological Organization. Death Valley's temperature of around 56.7 degrees Celsius is now widely accepted as the record for highest air temperature at Earth's surface measured with standard instruments. Other locations like Dallol and the Lut Desert experience extreme heat, especially land surface temperature, but their records are usually discussed separately.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Death Valley, particularly Furnace Creek, is famous for extreme summer heat and record air temperature. Step 2: Recognise that Al Aziziyah's older record was later invalidated, shifting official recognition to Death Valley. Step 3: Dallol and the Lut Desert have extremely high mean or surface temperatures, but not necessarily the officially accepted single highest air temperature record. Step 4: Therefore, among the given options, Death Valley, California, USA, best matches the description in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Climate records maintained by international meteorological bodies show that the controversial Libyan record was replaced, and the Death Valley reading is accepted as the highest properly verified air temperature. Scientific studies also show that places like the Lut Desert may have higher surface temperatures detected by satellites, but these are not the same as standard air temperature measurements at weather stations. This distinction confirms Death Valley as the correct answer for the question as stated.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dallol, Ethiopia: Known for high average temperatures and geothermal activity, but not the officially recognised holder of the single highest air temperature record.
Al Aziziyah, Libya: Once claimed the record, but the measurement was later disqualified, so it is no longer recognised as the hottest by official standards.
Lut Desert, Iran: Satellite data suggest extremely high land surface temperatures, but these differ from standardised air temperature records.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may recall older information listing Al Aziziyah as the hottest place and not be aware that its record has been rejected. Others may confuse satellite-based surface temperature extremes in the Lut Desert with air temperature measurements. When answering such questions, pay attention to whether the question refers to officially recorded air temperature or other heat indicators.

Final Answer:
Thus, the place widely recorded as one of the hottest on Earth, with the official air temperature record, is Death Valley, California, USA.