For the first time, we will probably learn about the largest rivers and lakes of Algeria in geography lessons in high school. Agree, it often happens that, having drawn general information from a well-composed and illustrated textbook, we subsequently begin to turn mountains of specialized literature in order to get to know our own small discovery in more detail.
It seems that the rivers and lakes of Algeria, photos of which are provided not only in textbooks, but also in many popular science magazines, cannot but attract attention with their unusualness and mystery. And it's not even that this country is far enough from our usual places of residence or vacation - there is some special mystery in that area.
This article will not only list the largest rivers and lakes of Algeria, the reader will get acquainted with their characteristic features and properties that distinguish them from any other corner of the oceans of the planet.
Section 1. General Information
In general, one of the most important nuances cannot be ignored. Almost all the largest rivers and lakes of Algeria are classified as so-called temporary watercourses, i.e.i.e. they are filled exclusively during the rainy season. But when the above period comes to an end, all the rivers dry up, but the lakes become s alt marshes with a crust up to 60 cm thick.
The main water arteries of this mysterious state can be considered Sheliff, Bowdouaou, Bouselam, Isser, Jedi, Mejerda, Mina, Rhiou, Rhumel, Tafina and some others.
Note that those rivers that flow through the north of this African country usually flow into the Mediterranean Sea. As for everyone else, they flow towards the Sahara, where they eventually get lost.
By the way, dams, hydroelectric power plants, and reservoirs are being built on many rivers in Algeria. Fresh water from various reservoirs is used to irrigate more than a hundred thousand hectares of land, as well as to supply people with drinking water.
Section 2. Nature and economic importance of Sheliff
If we consider such an important topic in many respects as the rivers and lakes of Algeria, one cannot fail to mention the Sheliff, which is rightfully considered the longest water artery of the state. Its length is 725 km, it eventually flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
It is estimated that the total area of the river basin. Sheliff is 55 thousand km². This river crosses the Houts plateau, however, in this place it is more like a chain of swamps and very shallow mud pools. By the way, this is where the river loses most of its flow.
However, a tributary of the Wadi Nahr Oussel flows into it a little further, after which the Sheliff becomes morefull-flowing, turns sharply and enters the gorge in Tell Atlas. After a few more kilometers, it follows west and then flows parallel to the Mediterranean coast in the valley.
Sheliff is widely used for the economic needs of the state. To date, several hydroelectric power stations have been built on this large river at once, water is actively used for irrigation. In the valley fed by its waters, agriculture is superbly developed, and people grow mainly citrus fruits, grapes and cotton.
Section 3. What do we know about Jedi?
The Jedi River is a fairly large body of water in the Sahara, its length is 480 km. It starts at an altitude of 1400 m in the Saharan Atlas, and then flows all the way from west to east.
Jedi flows into the s alt lake Shott-Melgir. By the way, not everyone knows that the place where this river flows into the lake is located in the lowest area of the state, at around 40 m below sea level.
The riverbed is mostly gypsum and mud, and in some places reaches several kilometers in width. But it should be noted that this river is rarely full-flowing. The soil along the banks of the Jedi is characterized by the presence of a high concentration of s alt, so, of course, there is no special vegetation here.
The river flows near the cities of Laghouat and Sidi Khaled, providing a total population of more than 165 thousand people. clean drinking water.
Section 4. Shott-Melgir Lake
The largest rivers and lakes of Algeria are actually amazing and unique. Yes, you can'tmention Shott-Melgir, which is rightfully considered the largest lake in the country. This reservoir has a s alty nature and in the summer, as a rule, dries up, turning into a s alt marsh.
This endorheic lake is located in the west, its area is 6700 km², and its width is 131 km. During the winter rains, Chott-Melgir is well filled with water flowing directly from the Ores mountains. This is largely due to the location of the lake. The thing is that it is located 26 m below sea level.
Note that in accordance with the Ramsar Convention Shott-Melgir is under protection. Hundreds of tourists come to this amazing place every year to enjoy such an unusual natural site.
Section 5. Ink Lake in Algiers
Geographically, Ink Lake is located near the city of Sidi Bel Abbes. But that is not what it is famous for. The mystery is that it is a truly unique natural phenomenon. Why? There are no fish or plants in this lake.
The lake instead of water is filled with ink, which is poisonous to any organisms. That is why its other names arose among the people, for example, the Eye of the Devil, the Inkwell, the Black Lake.
The Ink Lake Phenomenon has remained a real mystery to scientists for many years. But recently the secret was revealed: 2 rivers flow into the Ink Lake. One of them contains dissolved iron s alts. But the second river has various organic compounds. The waters of these two rivers, as a result of complex chemicalreactions eventually form ink.
