DESERTS
Deep learning identifies more than 1.8 billion trees in the Sahara, Sahel and sub-humid zones
Jan 14, 2021
Written by
Jacob Dykes
New 'deep learning' technology is helping to identify trees in the Sahel where few were thought to grow
Oman Natural Heritage Lecture 2019
Oct 03, 2019
Written by
Geographical
Now in its fourth year, this annual lecture series highlights Oman’s flourishing natural habitat. This year, the focus is on the work of the Oman Botanic Garden
Into the Biosphere – lessons from one of science’s most audacious experiments
Sep 04, 2018
Written by
Mark Nelson
Biosphere 2 was one of the most ambitious experiments in biospheric science. 25 years later, one of the original team members looks back on the project and examines its legacy
Just desert: why the Sahara is growing
Jun 16, 2018
Written by
Chris Fitch
Long-term studies reveal the Sahara desert has expanded substantially over the past century
Desert discs: solving the mystery of Namibia’s ‘fairy circles’
Apr 11, 2017
Written by
Laura Cole
For decades, scientists have been divided over how these eerily perfect circle arrangements are formed in the Namibian desert
The dead sea: a journey to the lowest point on Earth
Jul 14, 2016
Written by
Chris Fitch
Driving from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea – 1,378 feet below sea level – reveals a varied and fascinating landscape, with an array of treasures to behold
Israel, Palestine and the environment
Oct 08, 2015
Written by
Laura Cole
The Arava Institute brings together Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and international students to talk about a shared issue – the environment
Drying out
Aug 22, 2015
Written by
Chris Fitch
Chile’s government is taking urgent action to prevent a water crisis after continuing low rainfall leaves no end in sight for the drought which has afflicted the country
A university in the desert
Mar 20, 2015
Written by
Tom Hart
Hermits and Bedouin have long sought wisdom and refuge in the desert. Today, young people from across the world can follow their example
Tips for a desert climate
Jan 21, 2015
Written by
Tom Hart
Whether it’s the ‘Empty Quarter’ or the Gobi, Geographical rounds up tips for desert expeditions
Saharan dust fed Bahamas formation
Sep 01, 2014
Written by
Olivia Edward
Iron-rich Saharan dust played a major role in the formation of the Bahamian islands, providing the nutrients necessary for specialised bacteria to produce the island chain’s carbonate-based foundation, according to a new study published in Geology
Gobi's expansion due to rising mountains
Feb 01, 2014
Written by
Simon Simmons
The expansion of the Gobi desert in Central Asia was caused by the emergence of the Hangay and Altai ranges, according to a new study
Return to the desert
Aug 01, 2013
Written by
James Howe
Despite a court victory that allowed Botswana’s Bushmen to return to their ancestral land, they continue to face harassment from a government keen to turn the land over to mining
Putting down roots
Aug 01, 2013
Written by
Jane Labous
According to its supporters, the so-called Great Green Wall across northern Africa will stop food shortages, green the desert and even stop nomads roaming. But so far, it's still largely a grand vision
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