Lakes of Africa: North of Sahara

Abstract

North of the African Sahara is defined as the southern Mediterranean region surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It displays much diversity in sites, climate, and biodiversity. The inland water resources are mainly considered with specialized aquatic flora and fauna. Many costal and inland lakes have particular value for bird life internationally. Following the typical hot dry summer period, winter rains are an important feature of the climate in North west Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. These rains bring about a burst of exuberant growth in and around standing water bodies in early spring. Wildflowers and wetland vegetation generally grow prolifically in and around most ponds and lakes usually from late February each year. Lakes can be found across the climate spectrum ranging from sub-humid to arid conditions and so the timing and seasonal diversity of aquatic life shows much variation. The Nile Delta lakes experience relatively small seasonal changes and much of the aquatic vegetation grows throughout the year. On the other hand, water bodies in mountainous areas have great temperature variations, with winter freezing and even snow in the Atlas Mountains. The Mediterranean coastal areas are more humid and mild than most areas inland, with temperatures ranging from 30 °C in August to 3 °C in December. The sub-desert areas in the south are hot and dry the year round and lakes tend to be ground water fed systems. Natural standing water resources – ponds, oasis and lakes – also have cultural significance in many areas. They are very important for sustaining rural populations, especially in the north Sahara region where scarce water resources are exploited for crop irrigation, livestock, and for domestic purposes. Many of these waters are highly developed but remain important for aquatic ecology and, where salinity is low, many are key habitats for amphibians and crustaceans. Provision of water storage impoundments and sustainable use of natural freshwaters have been integrated into cultural practices over thousands of years.