Qattara Depression Attractions
The Qattara Depression, the largest and most northerly of the Egyptian oasis depressions, is a deep wide rift in the gently undulating plateau of the Western (Libyan) Desert, lying within the triangle formed by El-Alamein, Mersa Matruh and the Siwa Oasis. Its rugged northern and north western edges, with their steep fissured rock walls, have long been regarded as an insuperable natural obstacle, which played an important part in the battles of the World War II.
The depression, filled with impassable and treacherous salt swamps (sebkha), is some 175mi/280km long and up to 90mi/140km wide, with a total area of some 6,950 sq. mi/18,000 sq. km, and at its lowest point lies 440ft/134m below sea level. It owes its origin to wind erosion, which at some points has gouged out the surface as far down as the watertable.
In recent years there have been intensive investigations into the possibility of the economic development of the area. Test drillings for oil (at the end of the 1950s by the Soviet Union, since 1979 by the Royal Dutch Shell group) have so far yielded no result. During the past 20 years wate forced up by artesian pressure at the old well known as Qifar 1 has formed a considerable lake, now surrounded by reed and frequented by migratory waterfowl.
The so called Qattara Project has been the subject of repeated study and investigation since 1916. The idea is to cut a 37mi/60km long canal from the Mediterranean and channel sea water into the depression. With a difference in level of some 177ft/54m when the basin was full it would then be possible to harness the water for the production of electric power and perhaps also to operate a plant for the desalination of sea water. The inland sea thus created, with an area of 4,650 sq. mi/12,000 sq. km, would probably exert a moderating influence on the climate of the surrounding area and might lead to an increase in rainfall. Carrying out the project would involve a number of nuclear blasting operations. Although the scheme is technically feasible its realization seems likely to give rise to difficulties and problems, and for the time being at any rate the plan, which was vigorously espoused by President Sadat, has been put into suspense.
The depression, filled with impassable and treacherous salt swamps (sebkha), is some 175mi/280km long and up to 90mi/140km wide, with a total area of some 6,950 sq. mi/18,000 sq. km, and at its lowest point lies 440ft/134m below sea level. It owes its origin to wind erosion, which at some points has gouged out the surface as far down as the watertable.
In recent years there have been intensive investigations into the possibility of the economic development of the area. Test drillings for oil (at the end of the 1950s by the Soviet Union, since 1979 by the Royal Dutch Shell group) have so far yielded no result. During the past 20 years wate forced up by artesian pressure at the old well known as Qifar 1 has formed a considerable lake, now surrounded by reed and frequented by migratory waterfowl.
The so called Qattara Project has been the subject of repeated study and investigation since 1916. The idea is to cut a 37mi/60km long canal from the Mediterranean and channel sea water into the depression. With a difference in level of some 177ft/54m when the basin was full it would then be possible to harness the water for the production of electric power and perhaps also to operate a plant for the desalination of sea water. The inland sea thus created, with an area of 4,650 sq. mi/12,000 sq. km, would probably exert a moderating influence on the climate of the surrounding area and might lead to an increase in rainfall. Carrying out the project would involve a number of nuclear blasting operations. Although the scheme is technically feasible its realization seems likely to give rise to difficulties and problems, and for the time being at any rate the plan, which was vigorously espoused by President Sadat, has been put into suspense.
Qara, Egypt
The only inhabited oasis is Qara, on the west side of the depression, with a settlement of some 150 inhabitants perched on a picturesque crag. The main source of income is the cultivation of dates. Alexander the Great stayed here on his return journey from the Siwa Oasis, and the place is referred to by ancient authors as "Alexander's Camp". The Negroid element in the population, reflects the importance of Qara as a center of the medieval slave trade.
