Geography

The Sahara Desert Was Once a Lush Green Paradise

Just 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, the Sahara was a fertile savanna with rivers, lakes, and abundant wildlife.

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It is hard to imagine, but the world's largest hot desert was once a verdant landscape. Ancient rock art depicts crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes roaming where sand dunes now dominate. Climate shifts gradually transformed this green world into the arid desert we know today. Scientists have found evidence of ancient rivers and lake beds buried beneath the sand.

https://www.nasa.gov/earth-climate-cycle-sahara-green/