Welcome to the Sahara Desert, a vast and stunning Northern African landscape. This incredible desert encompasses one-third of the African continent, making it larger than Spain – an incredible fact!
But have you ever imagined what this vast desert looked like thousands of years ago? Prepare for an incredible revelation: scientists believe the Sahara Desert was once a beautiful rainforest! Isn’t it difficult to imagine?
A Drastic Transformation
What caused this abrupt shift from thick rainforest to desolate desert? Let us investigate the intriguing reasons and reveal the secrets lying beneath the sand.
The Influence of Human Activity
Logging operations, comparable to what is currently taking place in the Amazon rainforest, played an important part in deforesting the Sahara region. These operations not only removed plants and trees but also upset the fragile biological balance. The impact of human activity on natural ecosystems and soil cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, farmers in the area exacerbated desertification by overgrazing grasslands with their cattle. As the important fauna was steadily reduced, moisture retention decreased. The use of fire as a land management tool worsened the impacts of overgrazing and land mismanagement.
Discoveries Beneath the Sands
Believe it or not, scientists have discovered whale bones buried beneath the Sahara Desert. These million-year-old artifacts hint at the region’s amazing animal evolution. As they ventured into the water, these land-dwelling mammals evolved to an aquatic lifestyle. However, as the water level dropped and the desert formed, their capacity to maintain that way of life ended.
The Enigmatic Eye of the Sahara
Let’s go on an adventure into the realm of secrets. Have you ever heard of the Sahara’s Eye? This fascinating monument, also known as the Guelb Er Richat, resembles a giant bullseye in the desert. It stretches for a whopping 40 kilometers!
Only a few local tribes were aware of this beautiful creation for generations until it piqued the interest of the Gemini astronauts in the 1960s. They took photos of it to use as a reference point for their landing scenes. Satellite pictures later revealed its enormous size, height, and extent.
Originally thought to be an impact crater from a celestial collision, additional investigation revealed its real nature. Surprisingly, this geological dome has terrestrial roots, with materials dating back 100 million years. It has an amazing diversity of layers and stones.
Is this Atlantis?
Hold on to your hats, for there is an incredible link between the Sahara Desert and the mythical lost city of Atlantis! Some experts believe that the Eye of the Sahara is the exact size and shape of Atlantis, as described by Plato. The region’s geographical features and locations appear to correspond with the historic metropolis. It’s a mystery waiting to be solved!
Interesting clay pottery discovered in the vicinity suggests the existence of a local civilisation distinct from the Egyptians who live along the Nile. The Sahara Desert is full with treasures just waiting to be uncovered!
Isn’t it intriguing? The intriguing history and alluring mysteries of the Sahara Desert continue to fascinate our imagination. Exploring the depths of this magnificent desert will definitely offer more surprises and answers to unanswered questions.
