The Sahara Desert, the world's largest hot desert, spans 9.2 million square kilometers across North Africa. This vast landscape of shifting sands and rocky plateaus is renowned for its arid climate, awe-inspiring dunes, and unique ecosystems. Rich in history and culture, the Sahara has been a crossroads for trade and travel for millennia.
What is the Sahara Desert?
The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert. It is located in the northern portion of Africa and spans over several countries.
Where is Sahara Desert on the map?
The Sahara Desert spans over a whopping 3.6 million square miles. To give you a perspective, it is almost the size of United States. It spans physically from the eastern side of the continent to the western side, directly south of Europe.
The countries the Sahara spa across include Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia.
The desert begins just south of the Mediterranean Sea. On the eastern border it is bounded by the Red Sea. To the south it ends at the Sahel, a region where desert transitions into savannah.
Weather in Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is known for its extreme temperatures. It's noteworthy that these vary considerably: during the day, in the sun, the temperature can be as high as 50 degrees Celsius. At night though, it can drop down to below the freezing point.
This contrast is due to the lack of humidity, the clear sky, and the thin, dry air, which allows heat to rapidly escape as soon as the sun sets.
The desert isn't just hot and dry; Sandstorms are common occurrences. These can last for several days and transport vast amounts of sand over great distances.
Wildlife in Sahara Desert
Believe it or not, the Sahara Desert has a variety of wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions. These include small mammals, birds, reptiles and even large mammals such as the cheetah and the dromedary camel, the latter being particularly adapted to desert life.
Plant Life in Sahara Desert
The plant life in Sahara Desert is scarce due to the extreme weather conditions but it's not nonexistent. You'll find shrubs, grasses, and trees in the desert wherever water is available.
FAQs
What is the area of Sahara Desert?
The Sahara desert covers an extensive area of about 9.2 million square kilometers or 3.6 million square miles.
How is the climate in Sahara Desert?
The Sahara Desert is known for its extreme climate. Daytime temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius while at night it can drop below freezing.
What are the main countries the Sahara is located in?
The Sahara spans several countries including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia.
What type of wildlife can be found in Sahara?
Despite the harsh conditions, Some wildlife species thrive in the Sahara. These include small mammals, reptiles, and large mammals such as cheetahs and dromedary camels.
Is there any plant life in the Sahara Desert?
Yes, the Sahara Desert has plant life. Shrubs, grasses, and trees can be found near Oasis or water sources.
