Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1979
Abstract
The Western Desert occupies two thirds of the area of Egypt. It is basically a platform of sedimentary rocks cros- sed by numerous belts of sand dunes that imudate whatever stands in their way. The flat terrain is broken by numerous depressions enclosing oases that provide the only respite fra the prevailing harsh conditions. Early exploration in the 1920's by Hassanein and Kamal El-Din and in the _1930's_by Sanford, Peel, and particularly Bagnold provided the basic data on this desert. However, to this date much of the deser is relatively unexplored. Space photographs and images pro- vide a useful tool in the selection of areas for detailed field study. The most potentially valuable aspect of the Western desert is the occurrence of clayey, fertile soils in many locations. Some of these lie above a reservoir of fossil underground water, which if carefully used could supply enough water for irrigation. Additional possibilities for develop- ment include deposits of iron, phosphates and other valuable ninerals as well as a vast reservoir of building materials,. particularly those necessary for cement production.
Recommended Citation
El-Baz, Farouk, "The western desert of Egypt, its problems and potentials" (1979). Farouk El-Baz Library. 193.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/farouk_el-baz_library/193