How do wadis and canyons shape the landscape of the Negev desert?

In the Negev desert, the landscape is significantly shaped by the presence of wadis and canyons, which contribute to the region's rugged and dissected terrain.12

Wadis, which are seasonal watercourses, are a defining feature of the area. Because the Negev experiences flash flooding during the winter rainy season, these channels play a critical role in carving and shaping the landscape. As the region narrows toward the south, the terrain becomes increasingly arid and is characterized by sandstone hills that are heavily cut by these wadis, as well as canyons and cliffs.12

Additionally, the geological structure of the Negev—marked by northeast–southwest folds and faults—interacts with erosional processes to create unique landforms. Beyond standard wadis and canyons, the region features large, elongate erosion craters known as makhteshim, which are surrounded by high cliffs and were formed by the erosion of upward-folded strata.1