Libyan Desert Dunes

H. J. L. BEADNELL IN two of the most recent papersI on the Libyan Desert entirely contradictory views expressed regarding the most fundamental point in any study of the great sand accumulations of the region, i.e. the direction of the prevailing winds and its relation to the orientation of the dune-belts. The great majority of previous observers were, I think, agreed that the general orientation of the belts within Egyptian territory is NNW. by SSE., and is the result of prevailing winds in the same direction. Two exceptions to the above statement must be noted. In Northern Sinai, and in the extreme southwest, near 'Uweinat, the lie of the dunes is not in conformity with the general NNW.-SSE. disposition. As long ago as I907-08 I carried out in the Oasis of Kharga, over a continuous period of twelve months, regular observations of the meteorological conditions and the relation of the latter to the disposition and movement of dunes.2 Dr. Ladislas Kadar has now published the results of similar, though necessarily less detailed, observations during a period of six weeks, and his conclusions do not differ in any important respect from my own. North winds, he writes, are greatly prevailing (63 per cent.), and the direction of these north winds is identical with that of the dune rows. ... Next to this in

Archaeology · Desert (philosophy · Geography · Physical geography · Political science · Aeolian processes and effects · Archaeological and Geological Studies · Geological and Geophysical Studies Worldwide · Geology