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🌵
🌿 Natural Wonders
Sahara Desert
World's largest hot desert; a vast sea of sand, rock and sky
🌍 North Africa North Africa 1000
🌿 Why It Matters
1
9.2 million km² — largest hot desert; roughly the size of the USA
2
Temperature swings from −18°C at night to 55°C in the day within the same location
3
Only 25% is sand dunes (erg); rest is gravel plains (reg) and rocky plateaus (hamada)
Was a lush green savannah 5,000–11,000 years ago; expanding southward today
Quick Facts
Category
🌿 Natural Wonders
Country
🌍 North Africa
Location
North Africa
Key Year
1000
About
World's largest hot desert; a vast sea of sand, rock and sky