Sahara's hidden ocean: Vast freshwater found beneath sands

The Sahara, the largest desert in the world, conceals beneath its sands massive deposits of fresh water. Just a few thousand years ago, it was a green land inhabited by humans and animals. The remnants of those times are the underground water reservoirs, which are now attracting the interest of scientists and North African authorities.

The underground water resources beneath the Sahara have been known for quite some time. As early as the mid-20th century, their exploitation began on a small scale. In 2010, the Great Man-Made River project, initiated by Muammar Gaddafi, was intended to provide Libya with water. Unfortunately, plans were disrupted by the civil war in Libya.

New estimates indicate that there are about 36,000 cubic miles of water under the Sahara, which corresponds to the volume of seven Baltic Seas. The entire North African region may conceal up to 158,000 cubic miles of drinking water. This discovery is of great importance for the future of the region.

Thanks to data from the Grace satellite, it has been determined that the water resources beneath the Sahara are increasing. An analysis of changes in the weight of the Earth's crust confirms that despite exploitation, the amount of water is growing. This discovery could be crucial for managing water resources in North Africa.

The underground water reservoirs beneath the Sahara represent tremendous potential for the region. Proper utilization could benefit both local communities and all of North Africa. However, the challenges associated with exploiting these resources require careful planning and international cooperation.