1) The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world, spanning 3.5 million square miles across 11 countries in Northern Africa. 2) It has a variety of climates and terrain, from tropical in the south to subtropical in the north, with mountains, oasis, and sand dunes. 3) Archaeological evidence suggests the Sahara was once more habitable, but the climate changed and it is now a harsh environment with a population of just 2.5 million people scattered in oasis areas.

1. The Sahara Desert Tyler Pyle

2. Location Largest Desert in the world 3.5 million square miles The US would fit inside of it From north to south it is between 800-1200 miles NYC to Jacksonville, FL is 950 miles It is at least 3000 miles east from west NYC to Los Angeles is 2800 miles

3. Name Sahara was derived from Arabic word for deserts “The Greatest Desert” الصحراء الكبرى‎ Arabic- aṣ-ṣaḥrā´ al-kubra

4. Borders and Countries Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia Borders the Mediterranean Sea and Atlas Mountain rang to the North Red Sea to the East Atlantic Ocean to the West

6. Geography Highest point- 11,204 ft Mount Koussi located in the Atlas Mountains Lowest point- 436 ft below sea level in the Qattera Depression in Egypt Shallow basins, oasis depressions, gravel covered plains, plateaus, mountains, sand sheets, dunes, and sand sees.

8. Dry, Subtropical Climate Northern part of the desert The winters are cool Summers are very hot-136 degrees 3 in. precipitation annually Rainy season- December to March, and August August storms are known to cause flash floods

10. Dry Tropical Climate Southern part of the desert Summers are very hot Winters are mild Average rainfall- 5 in. Snow in the mountains In the Western part of the tropical region the Canary Current reduces the amount of rainfall, lowers the temperatures, and increases the humidity and the chances of fog

12. Animals

14. The People 2.5 million inhabitants, that’s 1 person per square mile Majority of people are nomads Wherever abundant food and water sources, you will find many people and wildlife

15. History Long ago, Archeologists say the Sahara was more densely populated Fossils, rock art, stone artifacts, and bone harpoons have been found where it’s to hot and dry to inhabit today Remains of giraffes, elephants and other large mammals have been found also This suggests that the Sahara used to be less harsh of an environment

16. The 4 Deserts 7 day ultra marathon across 4 deserts. (Including the Sahara) Participants must carry their food and supplies that they will live on for the 7 days Each Race is 250 km long

19. Roughly 150 competitors from 30 countries About 80% competitors are men Indigenous people to the desert watch the race such as Bedouins

20. Race Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL1QzOl2jBE&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg0is6pgiqc&feature=related

21. Bibliography http://library.thinkquest.org/16645/the_land/sahara_desert.shtml http://www.4deserts.com/sahararace/ http://lexicorient.com/e.o/sahara.htm