Are There Rivers Under the Sahara Desert?
" "The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, is often thought of as a vast, arid landscape with little to no sign of water. However, this desert veils a fascinating past where numerous rivers once flowed, and some of these rivers still have an impact on the region to this day. From ancient rivers to contemporary man-made solutions, the Sahara and its underground water sources reveal a rich and varied hydrological history.
" "Historical Evidence of Rivers in the Sahara
" "Archaeological and geological evidence clearly indicates the presence of vast river systems and lakes that thrived during the wetter periods of the Sahara's history. One of the most notable ancient river systems is the Tamanrasset River, which played a significant role in the region's hydrology. Studies conducted through satellite imagery and geological surveys have identified ancient riverbeds and lake beds that provide insight into the Sahara's lush past.
" "Palaeogeography research from Libya and Algeria has shown that several rivers cut through North Sahara desert areas since the late Miocene period, around 20 million years ago. These rivers left behind buried river channels with distinctive sediment profiles, and the landscape once featured extensive grasslands, swamps, and lakes.
" "These ancient waterways connected to the present-day Wadi systems and even to the historic Lake Chad. My involvement in understanding the materials deposited by these now-dried-up rivers and lakes helped in constructing reservoirs and embankment dams, a testament to the vibrant hydrological history of this region.
" "" "The Presence of the Nile River and Its Subterranean Flows
" "The mighty Nile River and its tributaries have been a lifeline for the Saharan region, especially on its eastern side, where the river creates a green fertile corridor of oases. While the majority of the Nile's water remains above ground in the eastern regions, a significant amount seeps into the ground and flows through the desert. This subterranean flow is part of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, a massive underground water reservoir that spans North Africa and continues to sustain nations in the region.
" "Palaeogeographical studies have revealed that several rivers transversed the Sahara during the late Miocene period, leaving behind buried river channels. Before the landscape became increasingly arid, the region was filled with multiple lakes, extensive grasslands, and rivers that extended back to the Gulf of Sirte, linking contemporary Wadi systems to prehistoric Lake Chad.
" "" "Man-Made Rivers and the Great Man Made River Project
" "Besides the natural ancient rivers and the Nile's subterranean flow, there are also man-made rivers in the Sahara. The Great Man Made River Project is a massive network of pipelines that carry water from south of the desert, specifically from wellfields in Sarir and Tazerbo, to various cities including Adjedabiya, Al Khadra, Sirte, and Tripoli.
" "The Great Man Made River Project taps into fossil water sources deep beneath the desert. While some argue that some of this water may be recharged by the leaking sections of the Nile, this remains a matter of scientific debate. As a geologist involved in this project, my expertise confirms the presence of these man-made rivers that have significantly improved the quality of life in the arid regions of the Sahara.
" "" "Future of the Great Man Made River Project
" "The custodians of the structures and infrastructure built during the golden era of the Great Man Made River Project during Gaddafi's reign have faced significant challenges. The devastating civil war transformed Libya into a broken shell, and the future of these projects remains uncertain. However, the legacy of the project ensures that the Sahara Desert, with its ancient and man-made water sources, continues to play a vital role in the hydrology of North Africa.
" "" "While the Sahara Desert currently lacks visible rivers on its surface, the region's hydrological history is both rich and complex. From ancient river systems to contemporary infrastructure, the Sahara is a fascinating study of water and human innovation in the face of extreme aridity.
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