The Oasis of West AfricaThe inland Niger River delta bursts into a lush oasis during the rainy seaso

The Oasis of West AfricaThe inland Niger River delta bursts into a lush oasis during the rainy season from July to October each year. Located on near the southern edges of the Sahara desert in Mali, the delta stands in stark contrast to the arid, windswept terrain surrounding it. Fed by the Niger and Bani Rivers, the inland delta grows to roughly 20,000 sq. km (7,700 sq. mi) at its apex and will shrink down to about 3,900 km^2 (1,500 sq. mi) during the drier months of the year. This outburst of plant growth and freshwater is the lifeblood of the entire region. The inland delta supports much of the economic activity for the country of Mali through fishing and agriculture and provides habitat for a variety of animal species.For an even better perspective on just how unique this region is in comparison to its surroundings, see a larger version of the image used here (http://go.nasa.gov/1pBYRzq)JRAImage Credit: NASA http://go.nasa.gov/1SlH2hLSources: http://go.nasa.gov/1SlH2hLhttp://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/at0903 -- source link

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