Underground Water Beneath Sahara Holds Volume Comparable to an Ocean

Geological layers beneath the Sahara desert contain massive aquifer systems that have stored water for millions of years. Together they hold an estimated 660 000 km³ of water, forming a reservoir that could supply regions for hundreds of thousands of years.

Yet most of this water is not recoverable, posing a major challenge for sustainable water management. Scientists suggest that these hidden reserves may become crucial in combating climate change and ensuring future water availability.