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Physical Geography of North Africa
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Seas and Waterways North Africa has a long coast on the Mediterranean
Has helped people of the region trade easily with Europe and Asia Strait of Gibraltar Separates Morocco from Western Europe (Spain) Links the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean Suez Canal Eastern edge of North Africa Man-made Ships can pass easily from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean
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Mountains and Plateaus
Mountains across the North African landscape Atlas Mountains Ahaggar Mountains Many low-lying plateaus and plains
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Desert Region (Sahara)
SAHARA FACT: The highest temperature ever recorded (136 F) was measured at Al-Aziziyah, in Libya The Sahara Desert takes up much of North Africa Only about 3 in. of rainfall each year Rains in winter months Wadis fill with water when it rains Wadi- dry riverbed that fills with water when rare rains fall in a desert Mostly dry land covered with rock or gravel Large sand dunes called ergs Some oases Oasis- spot in a desert where land is fertile as a result of water from a spring or well
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Life in the Desert Climate
SAHARA FACT: The highest temperature ever recorded (136 F) was measured at Al-Aziziyah, in Libya The Sahara Desert takes up much of North Africa Only about 3 in. of rainfall each year Rains in winter months Wadis fill with water when it rains Wadi- dry riverbed that fills with water when rare rains fall in a desert Mostly dry land covered with rock or gravel Large sand dunes called ergs Some oases Oasis- spot in a desert where land is fertile as a result of water from a spring or well
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The Nile Early civilization Ancient Egypt
Relied on the Nile’s yearly flooding Supplied water and silt. Silt- small particles of rich soil Silt made land fertile for growing crops
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Aswan High Dam Built to control flooding in 1968 Positive Effects:
Controls flooding Makes year-round irrigation possible Provides hydro-electric power Negative Effects: Blocked flow of silt down the river Nile unable to enrich the soil as it did in the past Forces farmers to use expensive chemical fertilizers
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