The Sahara Desert

The little-known history of how the Sahara was transformed from a green and fertile land into the largest hot desert in the world The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, equal in size to China or the United States. Yet, this arid expanse was once a verdant, pleasant land, fed by rivers and lakes. The Sahara sustained abundant plant and animal life, such as Nile perch, turtles, crocodiles, and hippos, and attracted prehistoric hunters and herders. What transformed this land of lakes into a sea of sands? When the Sahara Was Green describes the remarkable history of Earth’s greatest desert—including why its climate changed, the impact this had on human populations, and how scientists uncovered the evidence for these extraordinary events. From the Sahara’s origins as savanna woodland and grassland to its current arid incarnation, Martin Williams takes us on a vivid journey through time. He describes how the desert’s ancient rocks were first fashioned, how dinosaurs roamed freely across the land, and how it was later covered in tall trees. Along the way, Williams addresses many questions: Why was the Sahara previously much wetter, and will it be so again? Did humans contribute to its desertification? What was the impact of extreme climatic episodes—such as prolonged droughts—upon the Sahara’s geology, ecology, and inhabitants? Williams also shows how plants, animals, and humans have adapted to the Sahara and what lessons we might learn for living in harmony with the harshest, driest conditions in an ever-changing global environment. A valuable look at how an iconic region has changed over millions of years, When the Sahara Was Green reveals the desert’s surprising past to reflect on its present, as well as its possible future.

The desert is a difficult place in which to live. Yet, 13 percent of the world's people live in desert habitats. Spectacular photography highlights this series about the world's major desert systems. Each title focuses on one desert, describing its topography, climate, plant and animal life, unique geographical features, human cultures, and the problems facing the region. The Mojave Desert Located in the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, there are several national parks in the Mojave Desert, including Death Valley-the hottest place in North America. Settlers gave Death Valley its-name after enduring extreme suffering while trying to cross the unforgiving valley in 1849. Petroglyphs made by Paleo-Indians, the earliest known people in North America, are a reminder of the many indigenous peoples, including the Mojave people, who have made the Mojave Desert their home. Today, urbanization and pollution are threatening desert wildlife, such as the bighorn sheep. As the populations of Los Angeles and Las Vegas grow, more space is needed for homes, roads, and food crops, and there is an increasing demand for landfill space. Book jacket.

Explore the past, present, and future of the Sahara Desert. Beautiful photos, fact-filled text, and engaging infographics help readers learn all about this natural wonder and how to protect it long into the future.

Let’s explore the Sahara Desert and meet the creatures living there. Yes, believe it or not there are animals who survive the extreme heat of such an environment. Expose your children to books that focus on the natural world to develop an appreciate of the Earth and the complexity of life in it. Go ahead and grab a copy tod

Ten-story-high sand dunes, eye-tricking mirages, unlucky explorers – it’s all here and more in this newest Where Is? book. From the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series comes Where Is?, a series that tells the stories of world-famous landmarks and natural wonders and features a fold-out map! Imagine over three million square miles of sand dunes that are as tall as a ten-story building. That place is real -- it's the Sahara Desert! Vast, yes! And home to fascinating creatures such as ostriches and fennec foxes as well as amazing plant life. The shallow roots of the mesquite tree can grow almost 200 feet across to absorb water. Readers will also learn about the famous trade routes of the past with caravans of up to 10,000 camels, European explorers to the region (some very unlucky ones), and native populations like the Berber and Tuareg, the faces of the men are blue from the dye in the veils they always wear.

Explore the Sahara Desert and learn all about what it's like to live in this biome, from what kinds of plants and animals are found there to what kinds of weather it receives.