Última atualização em março 30, 2024
The Sahara is often considered the harshest desert in the world due to several factors that make it particularly challenging for humans and other forms of life to survive.
While it may not be the hottest ou most dangerous deserto, the combination of its large size, extreme temperatures, falta de água, and frequent sandstorms make it a uniquely challenging environment.
Despite the harsh environmental conditions, the Sahara is also a dangerous place due to criminal activities such as trafficking, smuggling, e terrorismo.
Criminal organizations often use the vast and remote landscape of the Sahara to operate, as it is difficult to monitor and patrol.
The lack of infrastructure and resources in many areas of the Sahara also makes it easier for these groups to operate with impunity.
Environmental Conditions
The Sahara desert is a challenging place to survive in, and the environmental conditions are just one of the many obstacles faced by the people who live and travel through it.
The largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of over 3.6 milhões de milhas quadradas, the Sahara is home to a diverse range of ecosystems. From rocky mountains to sand dunes, each of these ecosystems presents different challenges to life.
The Sahara’s temperatures are extreme, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 130°F in some areas.
This makes it incredibly difficult for life to thrive, and the lack of shade means that exposure to the sun can quickly lead to dehydration and heatstroke.
For those who live and travel through the Sahara, the constant battle against the heat can be exhausting, and the risk of heat-related illnesses is always present.
The Sahara is also one of the driest places on earth, with annual rainfall of less than 1 inch in some areas.
The lack of water is a significant challenge for plants and animals that must adapt to survive in the harsh environment.
Many rely on underground water sources or the occasional rainfall, which can be unpredictable and sporadic. For humans, finding and accessing water is a constant struggle, and it often requires long journeys across the desert.
Frequent sandstorms are another environmental challenge faced by those in the Sahara. These sandstorms can last for days and cover large areas of the desert with thick layers of sand.
They can cause significant damage to buildings and crops and make it difficult for people and animals to travel through the desert.
In addition to the physical damage they cause, sandstorms can also lead to respiratory problems for those caught in them.
Criminal Activity
The vast and remote landscape of the Sahara makes it an ideal location for criminal organizations to operate, as it is difficult to monitor and patrol.
The lack of infrastructure and resources in many areas of the Sahara also makes it easier for these groups to operate with impunity.
The illicit activities in the region can make travel and living in the Sahara even more challenging, as travelers and locals can become caught in the crossfire of these criminal activities.
Por exemplo, the Sahara has long been a transit point for human trafficking, with many migrants crossing the desert in search of a better life in Europe.
This dangerous journey often involves traveling on foot or by truck through the desert, with migrants facing the risk of dehydration, starvation, and exploitation by smugglers.
Além disso, the Sahara is also a major transit route for drug trafficking, with criminal organizations using the remote desert landscape to smuggle drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
The profits from this illicit trade can fund other criminal activities, such as terrorism, which has been a growing concern in the region in recent years.
The area is in fact a hotbed of terrorism and piracy, with several extremist groups operating in the region. These groups take advantage of the vast and remote landscape to train, plan, and launch attacks.
The harsh environment of the Sahara also provides cover and protection for these groups, making it difficult for security forces to track and neutralize them.
Nos últimos anos, several attacks have been carried out by these groups, targeting locals, tourists, and aid workers.
The presence of terrorism in the region further contributes to the harshness of the environment, as it creates a climate of fear and uncertainty for those living and traveling in the area.
The Sahara is also a hub for smuggling, particularly of drugs and weapons.
Criminal organizations take advantage of the vast and remote landscape to transport these illegal goods across borders and into neighboring countries.
The lack of infrastructure and resources in many areas of the Sahara also makes it easier for these organizations to operate undetected.
Smugglers often use the same routes as migrants, and the two activities can become intertwined.
The profits from smuggling are often used to fund other criminal activities, such as terrorism, further contributing to the harshness of the environment.
Leia também: Why is the Taklamakan Desert Considered One of the Most Dangerous Deserts in the World?
Sua fonte número 1 de informações sobre o mundo dos esportes de areia e viagens de aventura no deserto. Nossos artigos são resultado de extensa pesquisa, experiência pessoal, e compartilhamento de conhecimento dentro da comunidade global de sandboard.
