Mega-Chad
Quick Summary
The Chad Basin in Central Africa is a vast depression that once held a much larger ancient sea known as Mega-Chad. At its peak, this sea covered approximately 154,400 square miles (400,000 square km) and was over 600 feet (180 meters) deep. Evidence of this ancient sea is found in layers of diatomaceous earth and ancient shorelines within the basin. Today, the Chad Basin is home to Lake Chad, a significant freshwater lake, though its size fluctuates greatly. The region has a rich history, with archaeological discoveries and evidence of early human occupation.12
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Lake Chad…sea that is sometimes called Mega-Chad. Historically, Lake Chad has ranked among the largest lakes in Africa, though its surface area varies greatly by season, as well as from year to year. When the surface of the lake is approximately 920 feet (280 metres) above sea level, the area is…
Read More…sea that is sometimes called Mega-Chad. Historically, Lake Chad has ranked among the largest lakes in Africa, though its surface area varies greatly by season, as well as from year to year. When the surface of the lake is approximately 920 feet (280 metres) above sea level, the area is…
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ChadRelief and drainageAt that stage Mega-Chad, as it has been called, occupied an area of some 130,000 square miles (336,700 square km) and overflowed southward via the present-day Kébi River and then over the Gauthiot Falls westward to the Benue River and the Atlantic Ocean. Older dune systems, flooded by…
Read MoreAt that stage Mega-Chad, as it has been called, occupied an area of some 130,000 square miles (336,700 square km) and overflowed southward via the present-day Kébi River and then over the Gauthiot Falls westward to the Benue River and the Atlantic Ocean. Older dune systems, flooded by…
Read More