Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Libya

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Libya.

Terrain: mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions
Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/LYXX0009?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 2267 — Bikku Bitti 2,267 m
Lowest Point: -47 — Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

Area (Comparative): slightly larger than Alaska
Border Countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, and gypsum remain Libya's primary natural resources. The country holds Africa's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at approximately 48 billion barrels, and substantial natural gas reserves that together form the backbone of its economy. Gypsum deposits are also found across parts of the country, along with additional minerals including limestone, iron ore, potash, and salt.
Natural Hazards: hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Current Environmental Issues: desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Detailed geography