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Al-Ḥamrāʾ Plateau

plateau, Libya
Also known as: El-Hamra Plateau

Al-Ḥamrāʾ Plateau, desolate rocky plateau of the Sahara, northwestern Libya. Located mostly in Tripolitania, it occupies an area measuring about 275 miles (440 km) by 190 miles (305 km). Its bare rock outcrops reach a height of about 2,700 feet (825 metres). Wells are drilled for petroleum, which was discovered in the region in 1976. Some phosphates have also been discovered. The region’s name in Arabic alludes to its red, stony quality.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Laura Etheredge.
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