Sahara's hidden aquifers: Unlocking a desert's liquid gold

The Sahara, the largest desert on Earth, conceals vast deposits of fresh water beneath its sands. 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 currently attracting the attention of scientists and North African authorities.

The underground water resources beneath the Sahara have not been a secret for a long 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, the civil war in Libya interrupted these plans.

New estimates indicate that there are about 60,000 cubic kilometres of water under the Sahara, which corresponds to the volume of seven Baltic Seas. The entire region of North Africa may conceal up to 258,000 cubic kilometres of drinking water. This discovery is of great significance for the future of this 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 immense potential for the region. Their proper use could benefit both local communities and all of North Africa. However, the challenges associated with exploiting these resources require careful planning and international cooperation.