Des oueds mythiques aux rivières artificielles : l'hydrographie du Bas-Sahara algérien

Recent research challenges the long-standing notion of mythical wadis (Igharghar, Mya, Rhir) in the Bas-Sahara region of Algeria, revealing their non-existence. The study highlights a shift from legendary watercourses to artificial rivers, emphasizing the functional wadis descending from the Saharan Atlas, particularly those with dams, while less is known about those originating from the M'Zab dorsale. Notably, fossil wadis have been identified in the Souf region, upstream of the Grand Erg Oriental. The only perennial rivers are those sustained by oasis drainage and urban rainfall networks, underscoring a significant revision in the understanding of this arid region's hydrography.

Ballais, J.-L. (2010). Des oueds mythiques aux rivières artificielles : l’hydrographie du Bas-Sahara algérien. Physio-Géo, Volume 4, 107–127. https://doi.org/10.4000/physio-geo.1173