Difference between revisions of "Oasis"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
classical Latin ''Oasis'', the [[name]] of a [[fertile]] place in the Libyan [[desert]] < ancient [[Greek]] ''Ὄασις'' (Herodotus; compare Hellenistic Greek ''Αὔσις'' (Strabo)) < ancient Egyptian ''wḫ'-ṭ''; compare Coptic ''ouahe'' dwelling-place | classical Latin ''Oasis'', the [[name]] of a [[fertile]] place in the Libyan [[desert]] < ancient [[Greek]] ''Ὄασις'' (Herodotus; compare Hellenistic Greek ''Αὔσις'' (Strabo)) < ancient Egyptian ''wḫ'-ṭ''; compare Coptic ''ouahe'' dwelling-place | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 1613] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1: a [[fertile]] or green area in an arid region (as a [[desert]]) | *1: a [[fertile]] or green area in an arid region (as a [[desert]]) | ||
*2: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant [[contrast]] | *2: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant [[contrast]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | In [[geography]], an '''oasis''' (plural: oases) or [ | + | In [[geography]], an '''oasis''' (plural: oases) or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cienega cienega] (Southwestern United States) is an isolated area of [[vegetation]] in a [[desert]], typically surrounding a spring or similar [[water]] source. Oases also provide [[habitat]] for animals and even [[humans]] if the area is big enough. |
| − | The location of oases has been of critical importance for [[trade]] and [[transportation]] routes in [[desert]] areas. [[Caravan]]s must travel via oases so that supplies of [[water]] and [[food]] can be replenished. Thus, [[political]] or [[military]] [[control]] of an oasis has in many cases meant control of [[trade]] on a particular route. For example, the oases of [ | + | The location of oases has been of critical importance for [[trade]] and [[transportation]] routes in [[desert]] areas. [[Caravan]]s must travel via oases so that supplies of [[water]] and [[food]] can be replenished. Thus, [[political]] or [[military]] [[control]] of an oasis has in many cases meant control of [[trade]] on a particular route. For example, the oases of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awjila Awjila], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghadames Ghadames] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kufra Kufra], situated in [[modern]]-day Libya, have at various times been [[vital]] to both North-South and East-West [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Saharan_trade trade in the Sahara]. |
| − | Oases are formed from underground [[rivers]] or aquifers such as an [ | + | Oases are formed from underground [[rivers]] or aquifers such as an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesian_aquifer artesian aquifer], where [[water]] can reach the [[surface]] naturally by [[pressure]] or by man made [[wells]]. Occasional brief thunderstorms provide subterranean water to sustain [[natural]] oases, such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuat Tuat]. Substrata of impermeable rock and stone can trap water and retain it in pockets; or on long faulting subsurface ridges or volcanic dikes water can collect and percolate to the [[surface]]. Any incidence of water is then used by [[migrating]] birds who also pass [[seeds]] with their droppings which will grow at the water's edge forming an oasis. |
[[Category: Geography]] | [[Category: Geography]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:23, 13 December 2020
Origin
classical Latin Oasis, the name of a fertile place in the Libyan desert < ancient Greek Ὄασις (Herodotus; compare Hellenistic Greek Αὔσις (Strabo)) < ancient Egyptian wḫ'-ṭ; compare Coptic ouahe dwelling-place
Definitions
- 1: a fertile or green area in an arid region (as a desert)
- 2: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast
Description
In geography, an oasis (plural: oases) or cienega (Southwestern United States) is an isolated area of vegetation in a desert, typically surrounding a spring or similar water source. Oases also provide habitat for animals and even humans if the area is big enough.
The location of oases has been of critical importance for trade and transportation routes in desert areas. Caravans must travel via oases so that supplies of water and food can be replenished. Thus, political or military control of an oasis has in many cases meant control of trade on a particular route. For example, the oases of Awjila, Ghadames and Kufra, situated in modern-day Libya, have at various times been vital to both North-South and East-West trade in the Sahara.
Oases are formed from underground rivers or aquifers such as an artesian aquifer, where water can reach the surface naturally by pressure or by man made wells. Occasional brief thunderstorms provide subterranean water to sustain natural oases, such as the Tuat. Substrata of impermeable rock and stone can trap water and retain it in pockets; or on long faulting subsurface ridges or volcanic dikes water can collect and percolate to the surface. Any incidence of water is then used by migrating birds who also pass seeds with their droppings which will grow at the water's edge forming an oasis.
