C H A P T E R I I I
PHYSICAL AND VEGETATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE
SAHARA DESERT*
Claude J. Grenot
I. Introduction
103
II. Physical Environment of the Sahara Desert
104
A. Boundaries of the Sahara
104
B. Geologic History
107
C. Climatic Factors
110
D. Desert Relief
123
E. Water in the Sahara
127
III. Vegetation in the Sahara Desert
133
A. General Considerations
133
B. Vegetation Groups
149
C. The Soils—Ecologie Characters
155
D. The Microclimates
156
References
157
Au chameau et au bouc, au
véhicule et au récipient,
aux deux seuls vainqueurs
du Sahara.
Théodore Monod. Meharées (1937)
I. Introduction
The true desert is characterized by its typical climatic conditions. These
conditions are the sparse and irregular local rainfalls, which can occur in
the course of any season, and the extreme variations in temperature which
can take place in a single day or from one season to another.
* Sections I and II translated by Nicole C. Lenfant; Section III translated by
David R. Anderson.
103
PHYSICAL AND VEGETATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE
SAHARA DESERT*
Claude J. Grenot
I. Introduction
103
II. Physical Environment of the Sahara Desert
104
A. Boundaries of the Sahara
104
B. Geologic History
107
C. Climatic Factors
110
D. Desert Relief
123
E. Water in the Sahara
127
III. Vegetation in the Sahara Desert
133
A. General Considerations
133
B. Vegetation Groups
149
C. The Soils—Ecologie Characters
155
D. The Microclimates
156
References
157
Au chameau et au bouc, au
véhicule et au récipient,
aux deux seuls vainqueurs
du Sahara.
Théodore Monod. Meharées (1937)
I. Introduction
The true desert is characterized by its typical climatic conditions. These
conditions are the sparse and irregular local rainfalls, which can occur in
the course of any season, and the extreme variations in temperature which
can take place in a single day or from one season to another.
* Sections I and II translated by Nicole C. Lenfant; Section III translated by
David R. Anderson.
103