A guelta (Arabic: قلتة, also transliterated qalta or galta) is a pocket of water that forms within rock formations in the Sahara Desert and Arabian Desert. The term is of Arabic origin and specifically refers to oases that emerge in rocky landscapes in Arab regions, particularly in countries like Algeria and Saudi Arabia.[1]
The size and duration of a guelta depend on its location and environmental conditions. Some may persist year-round, sustained by springs, even through the dry season.[1] When a river (wadi) dries up, water can remain in pockets along its course, similar to an oxbow lake.[1] In the Western Sahara, gueltas often correspond to oases, providing vital water sources in the desert.[1]
One of the most notable gueltas is the Guelta d'Archei in the Ennedi Plateau of northeastern Chad. This guelta is renowned for its dramatic scenery, with towering cliffs and a permanent water source that supports a variety of wildlife. It is particularly famous for being one of the few remaining habitats of the West African crocodile, a relic population surviving in the harsh desert environment. The guelta also serves as a watering point for nomadic herders and their camels, creating a striking visual contrast between life and the barren desert landscape.
Other examples of gueltas include Timia in Niger.
- ^ a b c d Gene E. Likens, ed. (2010). Lake Ecosystem Ecology: A Global Perspective. Academic Press. p. 269. ISBN 9780123820037. Retrieved June 5, 2014.