Outstanding Oasis Facts That Everyone Should Know

Oases are a fascinating natural phenomenon found in the driest and most inhospitable deserts on Earth.

They provide an area of respite from the hot, dry conditions that exist elsewhere in the desert. Oases usually form when groundwater seeps to the surface, providing a life-saving water source for both people and animals. Still, at times people living in the desert areas create artificial oases by digging into the ground for a water source.

In general terms, an oasis is referred to a fertile piece of land present in a semi-desert or desert environment which provides fresh water to all the living organisms nearby. These oases are one of the most important factors in establishing dwellings in a desert.

Plants and animals living in the desert are usually found near an oasis as it provides the perfect habitat for their growth.

When aquifers or other underground water sources such as rivers provide water to the surface, oases become fertile. Some desert vegetation or animals usually surround an oasis.

Formation Of An Oasis

Oases can be found worldwide in almost all deserts, but they vary depending upon the water source which fertilizes them and their size and location. In general, oases are either naturally formed or are artificial to sustain life in the desert.

An oasis is naturally formed when an underground water source or an aquifer creates enough pressure to seep onto the surface and lead to the formation of an oasis. Some of the most common underground water sources are natural springs which appear onto the surface due to intensive pressure.

At times, oases receive water from surface rivers or from storms as well.

At the same time, some oases are artificially made as well.

People dig wells near an already existing oasis to sustain it for the years to come or dig a new well altogether to generate an oasis to support the nearby settlement. The water present in these oases is usually used for irrigation purposes as the water may not be fit for drinking.

Size And Area Of An Oasis

The size and area covered by an oasis differ from one oasis to the other. It has been recorded that oases that have a natural water source tend to have a larger size and cover a greater area than the oases which receive water from artificial sources such as that of a well.

Some of the smallest oases cover an area of around 2.5 ac (1 ha); these oases can generally be found near small springs, and the more conserved water source leads to a more miniature oasis.

At the same time, there are some vast oases as well, which even have cities established around them. For instance, when the Silk Road was extensively used back in the day, it traversed through parts of Central Asia which often had areas covered entirely with sand but had oases.

At the same time, an oasis that is situated near small springs only has a small cluster of certain kinds of vegetation such as dates or apricots surrounding it.

Importance Of An Oasis

Oases play a pivotal role in areas where you can see nothing but sand as far as you roll your eyes. Most of the deserts in the world have oases, and when people travel through these deserts, they take the help of these geographical landforms for their survival in such challenging conditions.

For instance, when people travel through the Sahara Desert, the largest desert in the world, they come across various oases and use them as pitstops to refuel their water and food supplies.

Especially merchants and other traders, travelers who cross deserts to reach their destination often halt at oases for replenishments.

At the same time, oases are surrounded by vegetation and other life-saving necessities, which raises the political and economic value of the oasis. Therefore, the one who controls the oasis also controls the trade along that particular route.

Similarly, Al-Ahsa, located in the Arabian Peninsula, is a strategically crucial piece of land as it produces several edible commodities and is placed above a rich oil field, making the oasis a center of international trade.

Plants And Animals That Live Near An Oasis

The flora and fauna found near an oasis differ from one oasis to the other, but there are some common plants and animal species that are generally found living near every oasis.

Animal species such as turtles, bats, bird species, and many others are found living near an oasis. At the same time, you can also find plants like dates, olives, figs, and other citrus fruits that are a common sight near oases.

FAQs

Why is an oasis important?

Oases are essential for the survival of living organisms in desert areas and provide essential services to people using transportation routes that pass through deserts such as the Sahara Desert.

Is oasis water drinkable?

Whether oasis water is drinkable or not largely depends upon the source of the water, which is facilitating the availability of water to the oasis.

How is an oasis formed?

Whenever a natural underground water source creates enough pressure to rise to the Earth's surface, it gives birth to a natural oasis or spring.

How big is an oasis?

An oasis can be as small as 2.5 ac (1 ha) in size and can also run for as long as 100 mi (161 km) and a width of up to 50 mi (81 km).

Which plants grow in an oasis?

Some of the most commonly grown plant species in an oasis include the likes of cotton, dates, wheat, corn, figs, and olives.

Which animals live in an oasis?

Turtles, bats, various bird species are some of the most commonly sighted fauna near an oasis.

Which is the largest oasis in the entire world?

The Al-Ahsa Oasis, located near the Persian Gulf, is believed to be the world's largest oasis that is self-contained, covering around 33 sq mi (85.4 sq km).