Uadi or Wadi: What is it, how it is formed and its difference with a cannon

A UADI (also written Wadi) is a term of Arab origin used to describe a dry channel that only carries water in times of intense rainfall. They are common in Arid and semi -arid regionsespecially in North Africa, Middle East and some parts of Asia.

During most of the year, a UADI It looks like a dry valley or a river bed without water. However, when it rains suddenly and abundantly, it can fill yourself quickly and become a strong current and even dangerous due to sudden floods.

These channels have been fundamental for many civilizations throughout history, since in some cases they allow the accumulation of groundwater, facilitating agriculture and human settlement in desert areas. Today, UADIS are also studied in geology and urban planning to prevent floods in areas with extreme climates.

UADIS are formed over time due to erosion caused by water in arid and semi -arid areas. Although most of the year are dry, its structure is the result of the intermittent action of torrential rains. Let’s see what are the processes for which a UADI is formed:

1. Intermittent river erosion: In desert regions, rain is rare, but when it occurs, it is usually intense and sudden. As the floor of these areas is arid and compact, it does not absorb water well, which causes large amounts of water to move through the surface, dragging sediments and digging the terrain. In this link you can learn more about river erosion: what is, types, consequences and examples.
2. Creation of temporary channels: Over time, erosion generates depressions and furrows in the landscape, which become dry channels when water evaporates or filters into the subsoil. These channels can be small or spread over several kilometers.
3. Sediment deposits: As water flows, it transports rocks, sand and clay, which are deposited in different parts of the UADI. Because of this, his bed changes over time, forming sediment banks and altering his career.
4. SUBTERRANEOUS AUMORMATION: In some cases, the water of the rains infiltrates the ground and is trapped in underground layers, creating small aquifers. Here you can learn more about what an aquifer is: definition and how it is formed.

There are many UADIS in different parts of the world, especially in arid and semi -arid regions. Some of the best known are:

• Wadi Rum (Jordan): Located in southern Jordan, he is one of the most famous uadis in the world. Known for its imposing rock formations and desert landscapes, it has been inhabited by Beduine peoples for centuries and has served as a stage for films such as Lawrence in Arabia and The Martian.
• Wadi al-Hitan (Egypt): Also called the “Valley of the Whales”, this UADI in Egypt is a paleontological site of great importance, since it houses fossils of old whales with hind legs, which demonstrates the evolution of these marine mammals. He was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO.
• Wadi Bani Khalid (Oman): Unlike most dry uadis, this in Oman has permanent water in some of its parts, forming natural pools surrounded by palm trees. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beauty and the possibility of swimming in its crystalline waters.
• Wadi Mujib (Jordan): Known as the “Grand Canyon of Jordan”, this UADI is a nature reserve that flows into the Dead Sea. Its ecosystem houses various species of flora and fauna, and is a popular destination for hiking and barranchism.
• Wadi Qelt (Bank, Palestine): A historical UADI that connects Jerusalem with Jericho. Over the centuries, it has been used as a commercial route and monks shelter. In its cliffs is the monastery of San Jorge, a religious site of great importance.
• Wadi Doan or Dawan (Yemen): An impressive valley with villages built in the cliffs, famous for their adobe houses and its relationship with Hadramaout’s old culture. Despite being in an arid zone, it is a fertile place thanks to groundwater.

The main difference between a UADI and a cannon lies in its formation, the flow of water and the type of landscape in which they are.

• A uadi it’s a dry channel that only transports water intermittentlygenerally after intense rains in arid and semi -arid regions. Its formation is the result of erosion caused by water in little permeable soils, where rainfall is scarce but intense. Most of the time, the UADIS remain dry, except in times of rainy, when they can become dangerous torrents. They are common in North Africa, Middle East and some areas of Asia.
• Instead, a canon it’s a Deep valley with steep wallsformed mainly by the continuous erosion of a river over thousands or millions of years. Unlike UADIS, cannons usually have Permanent water courses that cross them, although in some cases the rivers may have dried over time. They are usually formed in regions with sedimentary or great hardness rocks, such as plateaus and mountains, and are found in various parts of the world, such as the Grand Canyon in the United States or the Colca Canyon in Peru.

Now that you know better what a Uadi or Wadi is, we encourage you to discover the largest deserts in the world.

If you want to read more articles similar to Uadi or Wadi: What is it, how it is formed and its difference with a cannonwe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.