Problems of the Libyan Desert

Spanning three decades of fieldwork, this narrative invites listeners into the stark yet fascinating Libyan Desert, where each sand dune and hidden oasis holds a riddle. The author frames a dozen probing questions—ranging from whether the Nile once coursed through these arid lands to the origins of artesian waters that sustain remote oases—to illustrate how water, climate, and human activity intertwine across the desert’s history. Drawing on recent surveys, he recounts the painstaking efforts to chart elevations, map ancient riverbeds, and locate the legendary “Zerzura” while acknowledging the gaps that still linger.

Through vivid descriptions of triangulation chains, motor‑car expeditions, and the sheer logistics of measuring a landscape few have crossed, the book paints a picture of discovery that feels both scientific and adventurous. Listeners will hear how modern techniques have reshaped old assumptions about dune formations, depression formation, and the distribution of prehistoric artifacts. The result is a compelling portrait of a region where every unanswered question beckons future explorers.