Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1979
Abstract
The terms desertification and desertization have been used either interchangeably or to signify man-made and natural processes, respectively. Their use has helped support the incorrect belicf that the descrt is man- made. However, geological and archaeological evidence indicate that the desert is a natural environment caused by the scarcity or total lack of rain. The Sahara, largest of the terrestrial deserts, has evolved through alteration of wet and dry climatic periods from 200,000 B.P. until the last drought set in 5,000 years ago. It is important to understand the effects of previous climates and today's weather conditions on the desert environ- ment, It is also important to understand the physical medium of desert formation and expansion to comprchend what occurs at the desert fringe. Space photographs allow the study regional characteristics of desert areas and the comparisons between the deserts of Earth and Mars.
Recommended Citation
El-Baz, Farouk, "A geological perspective of the desert" (1979). Farouk El-Baz Library. 125.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/farouk_el-baz_library/125