Image Details

D. Miles-Williams

The Garamantes used a system of underground channels, or foggaras, to tap into subterranean aquifers below the desert floor. As this cross-section of a foggara shows, a series of shafts were sunk into the aquifer and then connected to form a channel (compare with photo of foggara shafts). The channel itself was constructed on a gradient, to allow water to flow freely and continuously down into the oasis.