The vast Sahara desert is located in North Africa. Due to the constant high air pressure in the area, the region receives only very little rainfall. However, this has not always been the case: during the time when the pyramids were built, the Sahara region received more rainfall than it does today. Water can also be found in the desert in the form of oases, which have formed as a result of underground water concentrations. 

When looking at a satellite image of the Sahara desert, the importance of the river Nile becomes clear. The green color in the satellite image tells us that agriculture and plant life is concentrated along the shores of the river. The mouth of the river has accumulated loose soil. The water has carried this loose soil from upriver areas, finally forming a triangular delta near the river's mouth. The fertile soil of the delta is suitable for agriculture. The food grown in the Nile delta feeds millions of Egyptians.
​ Satellite image of the Egyptian desert.