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Hassan is an Egyptian farmer. In winter, when temperatures are milder than during the summer, he grows wheat. Rainfall is scarce in Egypt, however. How does Hassan get the water he needs to grow his wheat? He draws it from a canal. Canals carry water from the Nile River to the country's farms around the river. Just as they did thousands of years ago, Egypt's farmers still depend on the waters of the Nile.
Hassan is an Egyptian farmer. In winter, when temperatures are milder than during the summer, he grows wheat. Rainfall is scarce in Egypt, however. How does Hassan get the water he needs to grow his wheat? He draws it from a canal. Canals carry water from the Nile River to the country's farms around the river. Just as they did thousands of years ago, Egypt's farmers still depend on the waters of the Nile.
In North Africa, low, narrow plains sit on the margins, or edges, of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. In the west, the high Atlas Mountains rise just behind this coastal plain. These mountains extend about 1,200 miles across Morocco and Algeria into Tunisia. They form the longest mountain chain in Africa and greatly influence the region's climate.
In North Africa, low, narrow plains sit on the margins, or edges, of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. In the west, the high Atlas Mountains rise just behind this coastal plain. These mountains extend about 1,200 miles across Morocco and Algeria into Tunisia. They form the longest mountain chain in Africa and greatly influence the region's climate.
The Atlas Mountains are actually two sets of mountains that run alongside each other. A high plateau sits between them. The southern chain is generally higher than the one to the north. It includes Mount Toubkal in Morocco. At 13,665 feet, it is the highest peak in North Africa.
The Atlas Mountains are actually two sets of mountains that run alongside each other. A high plateau sits between them. The southern chain is generally higher than the one to the north. It includes Mount Toubkal in Morocco. At 13,665 feet, it is the highest peak in North Africa.
South of these mountains is a low plateau that reaches across most of North Africa. The land rises higher in a few spots formed by isolated mountains. In Egypt, the southern reaches of the Nile River cut through a highland area to form a deep gorge, or valley. Southeastern Egypt has low mountains on the shores of the Red Sea. The southern part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is also mountainous. This area includes Egypt's higher point, Gebel Katherina. It reaches 8,652 feet high. Another set of low mountains lies in northeastern Libya, near the coast.
South of these mountains is a low plateau that reaches across most of North Africa. The land rises higher in a few spots formed by isolated mountains. In Egypt, the southern reaches of the Nile River cut through a highland area to form a deep gorge, or valley. Southeastern Egypt has low mountains on the shores of the Red Sea. The southern part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is also mountainous. This area includes Egypt's higher point, Gebel Katherina. It reaches 8,652 feet high. Another set of low mountains lies in northeastern Libya, near the coast.
Lowlands
Lowlands
Northwestern Egypt has a large area of lowland. Called the Qattara Depression, it sinks 440 feet below sea level. This area is nearly the size of New Jersey. Marshes and lakes prevent cars and trucks from passing through it.
Northwestern Egypt has a large area of lowland. Called the Qattara Depression, it sinks 440 feet below sea level. This area is nearly the size of New Jersey. Marshes and lakes prevent cars and trucks from passing through it.
For centuries, North Africa has been linked by the Mediterranean Sea to other lands. The sea has brought trade, new ideas, and conquering armies.
For centuries, North Africa has been linked by the Mediterranean Sea to other lands. The sea has brought trade, new ideas, and conquering armies.
Next to the Mediterranean, the most important body of water in the region is the Nile River. At 4,160 miles, the mighty Nile is the longest river in the world. It beings far south of Egypt at Lake Victoria in East Africa. That lake sits on the border of Uganda and Tanzania. The river flows northward, joined by several tributaries. The most important of them is the Blue Nile, which begins in the highlands of Ethiopia.
Next to the Mediterranean, the most important body of water in the region is the Nile River. At 4,160 miles, the mighty Nile is the longest river in the world. It beings far south of Egypt at Lake Victoria in East Africa. That lake sits on the border of Uganda and Tanzania. The river flows northward, joined by several tributaries. The most important of them is the Blue Nile, which begins in the highlands of Ethiopia.
The Blue Nile is vital to the livelihood of Egypt: as the most significant tributary of the Nile, it contributes over 85% of the Nile's streamflow.
The nile has a massive delta at its mouth. A delta is an area formed by soil deposists that build up as river water slows down. Many deltas form where a river enters a larger body of water. The Nile delta is found where the Nile meets the Mediterranean Sea. Here, at the mouth of the river, the Nile's delta covers more than 9,500 square miles - larget than the sie of New Hampshire. The river once took seven different channels, or courses, to reach the sea. Today, only two remina. The others have been filled with soil.
The nile has a massive delta at its mouth. A delta is an area formed by soil deposists that build up as river water slows down. Many deltas form where a river enters a larger body of water. The Nile delta is found where the Nile meets the Mediterranean Sea. Here, at the mouth of the river, the Nile's delta covers more than 9,500 square miles - larget than the sie of New Hampshire. The river once took seven different channels, or courses, to reach the sea. Today, only two remina. The others have been filled with soil.
Lush green farmland contrasts sharply with the vast desert areas that stretch for hundreds of miles on either side of the Nile River. Click on this image to view an interactive image about the Nile River valley.
The Nile brings life to dry Egypt. In ancient times, filled by rains to the south, the Nile flooded each year. These floods left silt - a fine, rich soil that is excellent for farming - along the banks of the river and in the delta. Farmers used the soil to grow crops. Because they could grow large amounts of food, they were able to support the growth of a great civilization. Ancient Egypt was called "the gift of the Nile."
The Nile brings life to dry Egypt. In ancient times, filled by rains to the south, the Nile flooded each year. These floods left silt - a fine, rich soil that is excellent for farming - along the banks of the river and in the delta. Farmers used the soil to grow crops. Because they could grow large amounts of food, they were able to support the growth of a great civilization. Ancient Egypt was called "the gift of the Nile."
Today, several dams control the floods. The largest is Aswan High Dam. These dams hold back the high volume of water produced in the rainy season. The water can then be released during the year. An important benefit is that Egypt's farmers today can grow crops year-round. This is the water the farmer Hasan uses to grow his wheat. Another benefit of the dams is that people in Egypt have security from floods. One negative consequence of the dams is that the silt no longer settles on the land and enriches the soil.
Today, several dams control the floods. The largest is Aswan High Dam. These dams hold back the high volume of water produced in the rainy season. The water can then be released during the year. An important benefit is that Egypt's farmers today can grow crops year-round. This is the water the farmer Hasan uses to grow his wheat. Another benefit of the dams is that people in Egypt have security from floods. One negative consequence of the dams is that the silt no longer settles on the land and enriches the soil.
Egypt controls another important waterway. This one, the Suez Canal, is human-made. The canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. As a result, it links Europe and North Africa to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. International trade depends on this canal. Using it enables ships traveling between Asia and Europe to avoid going all the way around Africa. The Suez Canal saves many days of travel time and much costly fuel.
Egypt controls another important waterway. This one, the Suez Canal, is human-made. The canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. As a result, it links Europe and North Africa to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. International trade depends on this canal. Using it enables ships traveling between Asia and Europe to avoid going all the way around Africa. The Suez Canal saves many days of travel time and much costly fuel.
A container ship passes through Egypt’s Suez Canal, one of the world’s most heavily used shipping lanes. Opened in 1869, the canal has been enlarged over the years to handle much bigger ships. Click on this image to view an interactive image about the Suez Canal.
What would it be like if it hardly ever rained? That is the situation that many North Africans face. Large areas of the region receive only a few inches of rainfall each year - if that much!
What would it be like if it hardly ever rained? That is the situation that many North Africans face. Large areas of the region receive only a few inches of rainfall each year - if that much!
Causes of North Africa's Climates
Causes of North Africa's Climates
The Atlas Mountains play a major role in controlling the climate in the western part of North Africa. These mountains create the rain shadow effect. Moist air blows southward from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea toward the mountains. As the air rises up the northern slopes, it cools and releases rain. By the time it passes over the mountains, the air is dry. This dry air reaches the interior. Inland areas, then, remain arid.
The Atlas Mountains play a major role in controlling the climate in the western part of North Africa. These mountains create the rain shadow effect. Moist air blows southward from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea toward the mountains. As the air rises up the northern slopes, it cools and releases rain. By the time it passes over the mountains, the air is dry. This dry air reaches the interior. Inland areas, then, remain arid.
The vast inland area of North Africa is dry for another reason. High-pressure air systems descend over areas to the south of the region for much of the year. They send hot, dry air blowing to the north. This air mass dries out the land. On the rare occasions when it does rain in the desert, the southern winds soon follow. They dry the land and leave behind wadis, or dry streambeds.
The vast inland area of North Africa is dry for another reason. High-pressure air systems descend over areas to the south of the region for much of the year. They send hot, dry air blowing to the north. This air mass dries out the land. On the rare occasions when it does rain in the desert, the southern winds soon follow. They dry the land and leave behind wadis, or dry streambeds.
Desert and Semiarid Areas
Desert and Semiarid Areas
Much of North Africa, then, is covered by a desert: The Sahara. Imagine a vast expanse of space, like an ocean, but co ered in sand and rock. That is what the Sahara looks like. Spreading across more than 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara is as large as the entire United States. It covers most of North Africa and spills into three other regions of Africa, as well.
Much of North Africa, then, is covered by a desert: The Sahara. Imagine a vast expanse of space, like an ocean, but co ered in sand and rock. That is what the Sahara looks like. Spreading across more than 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara is as large as the entire United States. It covers most of North Africa and spills into three other regions of Africa, as well.
The Sahara's vast stretches of sand are called ergs. Strong winds blow the sand about, creating huge dust storms that choke people and animals that are caught outside. The winds also build towering sand dunes. When new winds blow, they can change the shape and size of those dunes.
The Sahara's vast stretches of sand are called ergs. Strong winds blow the sand about, creating huge dust storms that choke people and animals that are caught outside. The winds also build towering sand dunes. When new winds blow, they can change the shape and size of those dunes.
Landscapes in the Sahara include rugged mountains, stony plains, and large sand dunes. Egypt’s part of the Sahara is called the Libyan Desert and has rocky surfaces.
Ergs cover only about a quarter of the Sahara. In other areas, rocky plateaus called hamadas and rocks eroded by wind are common. Some areas contain oases, areas fed by underground sources of water. Plants can grow in oases and trade caravans that cross the desert stop at them for needed water. Nomads, people who move about from place to place in search of food, rely on these oases during their travels. They use the plants to graze herds of sheep or other animals. Some people live on oases and grow crops.
Ergs cover only about a quarter of the Sahara. In other areas, rocky plateaus called hamadas and rocks eroded by wind are common. Some areas contain oases, areas fed by underground sources of water. Plants can grow in oases and trade caravans that cross the desert stop at them for needed water. Nomads, people who move about from place to place in search of food, rely on these oases during their travels. They use the plants to graze herds of sheep or other animals. Some people live on oases and grow crops.
Mediterranean and Other Climates
Mediterranean and Other Climates
North of the desert are different climate zones. A band of steppes encircle the desert immediately to the north. Temperatures here are high, and rainfall is slightly greater than in the desert. This band extends to the eastern coast. Coastal cities in Libya receive only 10 to 15 inches of rain per year. Alexandria, near egypt's coast, generally receives only 7 inches of rainfall per year.
North of the desert are different climate zones. A band of steppes encircle the desert immediately to the north. Temperatures here are high, and rainfall is slightly greater than in the desert. This band extends to the eastern coast. Coastal cities in Libya receive only 10 to 15 inches of rain per year. Alexandria, near egypt's coast, generally receives only 7 inches of rainfall per year.
A Mediterranean climate dominates the western coast. This climate gives the region warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. More rain falls along the coast than the dry interior.Rain amounts are higher in the west than in the east. In the west, they are higher on the mountain slopes than along the coast. Coastal areas of Morocco receive 32 inches or less of rain per year.
A Mediterranean climate dominates the western coast. This climate gives the region warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. More rain falls along the coast than the dry interior.Rain amounts are higher in the west than in the east. In the west, they are higher on the mountain slopes than along the coast. Coastal areas of Morocco receive 32 inches or less of rain per year.
Mountain areas with highland climates also receive more rainfall—as much as 80 inches (203 cm) per year. Highland climates are found within the mountains. Morocco’s Atlas Mountains often are covered by snow in the winter. As hard as it might be to believe, just a few hundred miles north of the Sahara, people can snow ski.
Oil and natural gas are resources that we use to power our cars and trucks and to generate electricity and heat. Some countries of North Africa have these resources in large quantities. All five countries in the region, though, struggle to get enough of another precious resource—water.
Oil, Gas, and Other Resources
Oil, Gas, and Other Resources
Libya is the most oil-rich country in North Africa. Its oil reserves are ranked ninth in the world and it exports more oil than all but 15 other countries. Libya also has natural gas, but in lesser amounts. The money Libya earns from oil has fueled its economy.
Algeria has large reserves of natural gas—more than all but nine other countries. It also has large supplies of oil. These two resources make up nearly all of its exports.
Like Algeria, Egypt has larger reserves of natural gas than oil. Still, it has enough oil to supply most of what it consumes each year. Egypt even sells a small amount to other countries.
Tunisia’s main resources are iron ore and phosphates. Phosphates are chemical compounds that are often used in fertilizers. These products are important in Morocco, as well. In addition, rich fishing grounds off Morocco’s coast are a vital resource. Fish is one of that country’s leading exports.
Water
Water
Limited rainfall and high temperatures in this region leave little freshwater on the surface. Rains can be heavy when they come, but the sandy soil soon absorbs the water. Dry winds evaporate the rest. Only the Nile is a reliable source of water for farming throughout the year.
How vital is the Nile? Ninety-five out of every 100 Egyptians live within 12 miles (19 km) of the Nile River or its delta. Yet this narrow river valley and the large delta make up only a small part of Egypt’s total area. Without the waters of the Nile, Egypt’s people could not survive.
Outside of the Nile valley, most of the region’s water needs are met with water that comes from oases and aquifers. Aquifers are underground layers of rock in which water collects. People use wells to tap into this water. Libya, for instance, relies on aquifers to meet almost all of its water needs. However, nearly half of Libya’s people have no access to water that has been treated to be sure it meets health standards.
A growing population in this region poses problems for the future. Demand for the water in an aquifer shared by Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia has increased ninefold in recent years. In North Africa, aquifers take a long time to refill. If people continue to take water out at a high rate, the aquifers might not be able to refill quickly enough and the region’s water problem will become much worse.
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