What is oasis? Mention its importance.
An oasis is a fertile area in a desert where water is found. It is important to support life, offer stops for desert travelers, support agriculture, and enable permanent human settlements.
Understanding Oasis
An oasis is a fertile spot in a desert where water is found. It is often formed because of the presence of a water source beneath the ground, like an aquifer or due to rare rainfall. In otherwise arid regions, an oasis can provide necessary respite and resources for animals and humans alike.
Importance of Oasis
1. Supporting Life: An oasis supports life in harsh desert environments. Many animals and plants have adapted to survive in these conditions, with some species being found only at oases.
2. Desert Travel: Historically, oases have been crucial for desert travel, often being the only stops for rest, nourishment, and water refills for hundreds of miles.
3. Agriculture and Settlements: Oases can support agriculture and enable permanent human settlements. Many ancient civilizations were founded around oases.
Oases continue to be important for biodiversity, agriculture, and tourism in modern times, offering a glimpse into how life can thrive in the most unlikely of places.