In News:

The Sahara Desert, one of the driest regions globally, is undergoing a surprising transformation due to an extratropical cyclone that impacted northwestern Africa on September 7-8, leading to patches of green across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

Key Details:

• Satellite Observations: NASA's satellite images reveal extensive greenery sprouting in areas typically known for drought conditions, as reported by NASA’s Earth Observatory.
• Flourishing Vegetation: Climate researcher Sylwia Trzaska noted that shrubs and trees are thriving in low-lying regions like riverbeds. Peter de Menocal, president of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, highlighted that plant life can quickly respond to significant rainfall, transforming dunes into vibrant landscapes.
• Historical Context: Research indicates that the Sahara was once a lush environment with lakes and vegetation between 11,000 and 5,000 years ago. Recent heavy rains have replenished normally dry lakes.
• Rainfall Dynamics: The unusual rainfall event is attributed to the northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which has moved further north than usual, resulting in equatorial-like downpours in the Sahara. Some areas experienced over half a foot of rain, surpassing typical annual precipitation levels.
• Impact of Rain Patterns: While the rains primarily affected less populated regions, severe flooding has resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and impacted around four million people across 14 African nations, according to reports from the World Food Programme and Associated Press.
• Climate Change Factors: Experts suggest that the repositioning of the ITCZ may be connected to record-high ocean temperatures and climate change, potentially altering rainfall patterns across Africa.
• Future Projections: As global ocean temperatures stabilize, de Menocal predicts that the rain belt may revert to a more southerly position, potentially crossing the equator.
• Sahara Desert Facts:

o   The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, spanning approximately 4,800 km in length and 1,800 km in width.

o   It covers about 31% of the African continent, extending across 11 North African nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Chad, Libya, Mauritania, Niger, and Sudan