Nefud
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Al-Nefud (Arabic,صحراء النفود ) is a desert, (Sahara meaning 'desert' in Arabic), area in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula, occupying a great oval depression; 180 miles (290 km) long and 140 miles (225 km) wide. The desert has an area of 40,000 square miles (103,600 km²).[1]
The Nefud is an erg, noted for its sudden violent winds, which account for the large crescent-shaped dunes. Rain comes once or twice a year. In some lowland areas, namely those near the Hejaz Mountains, there are oases where dates, vegetables, barley, and fruits are raised. The Nefud is connected to the Rub al Khali by the Dahna; a corridor of gravel plains and sand dunes, 800 miles (1,287 km) long and 15 to 50 miles (24.1-80.5 km) wide.
The Nefud is notably mentioned in the movie Lawrence of Arabia.
The Nefud is also mentioned in the Highlander novel Scimitar.
[edit] References
- ^ Wright, John W. (ed.); Editors and reporters of The New York Times (2006). The New York Times Almanac, 2007, New York, New York: Penguin Books, 67. ISBN 0-14-303820-6.
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