Unusual Occurrences in the Sahara Desert

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Unusual Occurrences in the Sahara Desert

In the midst of desert desperation, Mauro Prosperi attempted suicide by cutting his wrist to hasten death, but failed due to dehydration and excessively thick blood.

Unusual Occurrences in the Sahara Desert

The Driest Place Also Bears Richness

The Sahara is the world's largest desert, covering one-quarter of Africa. It is known as one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. However, several thousand years ago, it was a lush landscape with abundant greenery and thriving flora.

According to scientists, the current aridity of the desert is a result of changes in Earth's orbit. However, a small portion of the Sahara still retains its lushness with verdant oases. The water source in this region comes from underground rivers flowing from the Atlas Mountains.

Snowfall in the Desert

Many believe snow never falls in the desert. However, this has indeed happened.

According to CNN, in December 2016, snow fell in the town of Ain Sefra in Algeria. This was the first snowfall in 37 years. Ain Sefra is located in the Sahara Desert – known as the 'gateway to the desert'.

In 2017, snow 'visited' the Sahara again, attracting many tourists for snowboarding. In 2018, snowfall continued. This has led many to wonder: is snow in the Sahara during winter becoming the new norm?

Surviving Lost in the Desert by Drinking Urine and Bat Blood

According to BBC, Mauro Prosperi participated in a marathon across the Sahara Desert in 1994, when he was 39 years old. On the fourth day of the race, he got caught in a sandstorm and became lost. Mauro urinated into a water bottle. He then found shelter in a mosque where only bats inhabited.

Mauro recounted feeling immense despair when lost, even resorting to cutting his wrist to hasten death. However, severe dehydration caused his blood to thicken excessively. Consequently, Mauro had to staunch the bleeding and begin seeking survival methods. He roamed around a mosque, killing snakes and lizards for sustenance. He also drank urine and bat blood to survive for 10 days.

The Hottest and Most Alluring Gold Rush Destination

In 2016, a feverish gold rush occurred in the Republic of Mauritania, a country in West Africa. With a $300 license, Mauritanian citizens were granted permission to mine for gold in the Sahara. This news attracted many hopefuls seeking fortune. Within a month, industrious miners could earn over $1,000. However, some left empty-handed.

Gigantic Sandstorms

In May 2011, NASA captured an image of a colossal sandstorm in the Sahara spanning over 1,100 km. This phenomenon instills dread in tourists visiting the Sahara. If caught in a sandstorm, you are sure to become lost and endure months of solitary struggle for survival, awaiting rescue.

According to Anh Minh/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour

MytourJune 15, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What unusual weather events have occurred in the Sahara Desert?

Snow has surprisingly fallen in the Sahara Desert, particularly in Ain Sefra, Algeria. The first recorded snowfall in 37 years occurred in December 2016, attracting tourists for snowboarding. This has raised questions about whether snow in the Sahara could become a more common occurrence in future winters.

How did Mauro Prosperi survive after getting lost in the Sahara Desert?

Mauro Prosperi resorted to extreme survival methods after becoming lost during a marathon in the Sahara. He survived by drinking his own urine and bat blood, and hunted snakes and lizards for food, managing to stay alive for 10 days until he was rescued.

What historical changes contributed to the Sahara Desert's current arid state?

The Sahara Desert was once a lush region thousands of years ago, but changes in Earth's orbit led to its current arid conditions. Today, while mostly dry, it still contains verdant oases supported by underground rivers from the Atlas Mountains.

What is the significance of the recent gold rush in Mauritania?

The 2016 gold rush in Mauritania highlighted the region's economic potential, allowing citizens to mine for gold with a $300 license. This influx of hopeful miners resulted in some earning significant profits, while others left without any gold, demonstrating the risky nature of such ventures.

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