Nafud desert | |
|---|---|
Desert | |
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| Location | Saudi Arabia |
The Nafud desert or simplyThe Nafud (Arabic:صحراء النفود,romanized: ṣahrā' an-nafūd) is adesert in the northern part of theArabian Peninsula is28°18′N41°00′E / 28.30°N 41.00°E /28.30; 41.00, occupying a great oval depression. It is 290 kilometres (180 mi) long and 225 kilometres (140 mi) wide, with an area of 103,600 square kilometres (40,000 sq mi).[1][2][failed verification]
The Nafud is anerg, a desert region located in north-centralSaudi Arabia. It is noted for its sudden violent winds, which account for the large crescent-shapeddunes. The sand in the Nafud is a brick-reddish color. Rain comes once or twice per year. In some lowland areas, namely those near theHejaz Mountains, there are oases where dates, vegetables, barley, and fruits are grown. The Nafud is connected to theRub' al Khali by theDahna, a corridor of gravel plains and sand dunes, 800 mi (1,287 km) long and 15 to 50 miles (24.1 to 80.5 km) wide.
During theArab Revolt in 1917, forces led byAuda ibu Tayiattacked the Turkish-held coastal town ofAqaba on its poorly defended eastern flank. The approach was via a long and wide desert route, passing close to the edge of the Nafud. ColonelT. E. Lawrence asked Auda ibu Tayi to allow their group to stray from their course into the Nafud. Auda refused because it was unnecessary.[3] Their harsh transit did not include entering the Nafud, as is depicted in the filmLawrence of Arabia.
The discovery of an 85,000-year-old fossilised human finger in An Nafud in 2016 by Dr Mathieu Duval ofGriffith University provided the earliest evidence of modern humans outside Africa and theLevant.[4]
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