Qattara Depression

The Qattara Depression (local: Munkhafad al-Qattarah) is a desert basin within the Libyan Desert of north-western Egypt. The Depression, at 133m below sea level, contains the second lowest point in Africa (See also: Lase Assal). The Depression covers about 18,130 kmē (~7,000 square miles), and at its maximum is 80km in length and 120km in width. The bottom of the depression consists of a salt bog.

World War II

During World War II, this was a notable geographic feature which was considered to be impassable for the majority of military vehicles, notably tanks. Its presence shaped the Battle of El Alamein.



This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia article. Browse Wikipedia for more information.