Chalbi Desert

Chalbi is a rain-shadow desert.[3] Mean annual rainfall is approximately 150 mm (or up to 350 mm[4]) and falls during two rainy seasons but rainfall is erratic and some years the area barely receives any rainfall at all.[3][4] In 1973, for example, only 7 mm of rainfall were recorded.[1] Meanwhile, the potential evaporation likely is over 2,600 mm.[3] At the edge of the desert, there are numerous springs,[8] which create oases of water and grasses.[9]

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Occasionally, rain falls as a heavy downpour, and the water runs off through the hard desert surface and pools at surface depressions. In years of exceptional rainfall, a temporary lake is formed that can last several months.[1] This happened during 1978, for example, when a temporary lake of 50 cm in depth was formed for long enough for waterfowl to make use of it.[1]

The Chalbi desert sustains high winds. In fact, the area has some of the strongest and most sustained wind systems of the world. The area sustains for over 50 days per years wind speeds of over 50 kilometres per hour.[10] Sandstorms are a feature of the region.

The following herbivores can be found in the region: oryx, African elephant, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, and reticulated giraffe.[1][4] In the past, black rhinoceros used to live in the area, but they were hunted to extinction.[4] As for the large predator guild, African lions live in the region.[4]

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The high salinity makes the area home to only a few plant species. Most of the Chalbi Desert is barren and has no vegetation.[1] One of those areas where plants do grow is usually near outlets of tributary streams after the seasonal rainfalls. Salvadora persica, Acacia tortilis, and Cordia sinensis can grow in the areas around Chalbi's drainage system,[4][8] but most plants that grow in the desert are annual plants. One of those plants is Drakebrockmania somalensis.[8] During years of high rainfall, these areas can be seen covered by grasses like Aristida adscensionis and A. mutabilis.[4] Another region where some plants grow is in the former lake bed. There, one can find Lagenantha nogalensis. Finally, one can also find plants on the edges of the desert, such as Dasysphaera prostrata or Hyphaene coriacea.[8]

The largest wind farm in Africa is located in the west edge of the desert. Unfortunately, no benefits from the wind farm have reached the local communities.[4]