A Question of Size
The Sahara Desert is one of the most well-known and iconic landforms on the planet. It covers an enormous expanse of territory in North Africa and has been the subject of countless films, books, and other media. One of the most common questions people have about the Sahara is simply, "how big is it?" This article will explore the answer to this question in depth, looking at the history, geography, and other related topics that help provide context for the size of this massive desert.
Defining the Sahara Desert
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers. It is located in the northern part of the African continent and spans across a number of countries, including Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Chad, Mali, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. The desert is known for its harsh, arid climate, with temperatures that often exceed 50 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop below freezing at night.
Historical Significance of the Sahara
The Sahara has played an important role in the history and development of human civilization. It was once home to a number of ancient civilizations, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the ancient Egyptians. The desert was also a major trade route for caravans traveling between North Africa and the coast of the Mediterranean. In more recent times, the Sahara has been the site of a number of conflicts and struggles for power among various groups.
Geographic Location of the Sahara
The Sahara is located in the northern part of the African continent and spans across a number of countries, including Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Chad, Mali, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. It is divided into two main regions: the Libyan Desert in the east and the Western Sahara in the west. The desert is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean to the north, and the Sahel region to the south.
How Big is the Sahara?
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers. This makes it roughly the size of the United States and Canada combined. Despite its enormous size, the Sahara is only the third-largest desert in the world, with the Arctic and Antarctic deserts being larger, although these are classified as "cold deserts."
Measuring the Sahara’s Size
The size of the Sahara has been measured using a variety of techniques over the years, including satellite imaging, aerial surveys, and ground-based measurements. These methods have all produced slightly different results, with some estimates placing the size of the desert at closer to 9.4 million square kilometers. However, most experts agree that the true size of the Sahara is somewhere in the range of 9.2 to 9.3 million square kilometers.
Comparing the Sahara to Other Deserts
The Sahara is the third-largest desert in the world, after the Arctic and Antarctic deserts. It is also considerably larger than other well-known deserts such as the Arabian Desert, the Gobi Desert, and the Mojave Desert. However, it is important to note that size is not the only factor that determines the characteristics of a desert, and each of these regions has its own unique features and qualities.
Largest Countries Inside the Sahara
The Sahara is home to a number of countries, each of which has its own unique history, culture, and geography. The largest of these countries are Algeria, Libya, and Sudan, all of which have significant portions of their territory located within the Sahara. Other countries that are partially or entirely located within the Sahara include Egypt, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia.
Size of the Sahara in Square Miles
The Sahara covers approximately 3.6 million square miles, making it roughly the size of the United States and Canada combined. This vast expanse of territory is home to a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, ranging from sand dunes and rocky plateaus to oases and salt flats.
Future of the Sahara Desert
The future of the Sahara is uncertain, as climate change and other factors continue to have an impact on the region. Some experts predict that the desert could expand further as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns change, while others believe that efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change could help slow or even reverse this trend.
Conclusion: The Vastness of the Sahara
The Sahara is one of the largest and most iconic deserts on the planet, spanning an enormous expanse of territory in North Africa. It has played an important role in the history and development of human civilization, and continues to be a site of fascination and intrigue for people around the world. While the future of the Sahara is uncertain, one thing is clear: this vast, beautiful, and awe-inspiring desert will continue to captivate people’s imaginations for generations to come.
References and Further Readings
- "Sahara Desert." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed July 7, 2021.
- "Sahara." National Geographic. Accessed July 7, 2021. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/sahara/
- "The Largest Desert in the World." Live Science. Accessed July 7, 2021. https://www.livescience.com/22739-sahara-desert.html
