The Amatlich: A 25,000-Year-Old Erg
From around 30,000 B.P., a high-pressure system became established over northwestern Africa, generating dominant winds (continental trade winds) flowing NE-SW.
Introduction
From around 30,000 B.P., a high-pressure system became established over northwestern Africa, generating dominant winds (continental trade winds) flowing NE-SW. These powerful winds triggered a sharp southward expansion of the Sahara. This began with the Inchirian period (30,000 B.P.), followed by the Ogolian period from 22,000 to 15,000 B.P. (lasting 7,000 years), as defined by Elouard in 1959. This NE-SW wind flow would construct vast dune complexes: Azefal, Akchar, Amoukrouz, and secondary ergs such as the Amatlich. Refer to the three maps established by Rognon, 1980 (cf. Fig 2, Rognon Works, 1980)
Aridity peaked around 12,000 B.P., and the Sahara reached its maximum extent at that time (cf. Fig. 1, graph illustrating the various climatic periods of the Sahara). From 10,000 B.P. onward, the high-pressure systems collapsed and significant, regular precipitation from the south rapidly transformed the desert, whose surface area shrank to a minimum around 7,000 B.P. During this period, vast hydrographic systems took shape, widely occupying interdune areas, with major wadis actively cutting through dune massifs. This was the age of lakes and expansive flood zones, the establishment of "Sudanian" flora and fauna (baobab, elephant, hippopotamus, large antelopes), and the age of Man (Neolithic). However, around 6,000 B.P., high-pressure systems re-established themselves over northern Sahara, marking the return of aridity, which has progressively increased to the present day.
Description:
The Amatlich is a modest-sized erg (130 km x 5 to 8 km) that stretches from NW to SE, from the palm grove of El Gleitat to the flood zone of Damane, where it takes the name Dkhaïna. Despite its relatively limited surface area (compared to Akchar, Maquteir, or Waran, for instance), it offers considerable variety in terms of interdune areas and rocky zones that frame it. (cf. Fig 3, Amatlich Complex Map) This erg was furthermore "sculpted" by water during the "humid" period 7,000 years ago. Thus, it was regularly crossed by a wadi at the level of Foum Tizigui and as much to the west (toward Akjoujt) as in the broad interdune areas such as Ifizouitne and Amlil Bou kerch, vast flood zones and wadis are numerous. Should a "good" rainfall occur, the ancient hydrographic network will spring back to life for a few days, a few weeks. Thus, Damane to the south and Graret el Fras (the cultivable basin of the mare—which testifies to the past presence of horses) are among other (less significant) sites of regular subsistence farming. In the distant past, Neolithic man settled throughout the Amatlich, his presence was extensive. Neolithic sites are numerous, some well-studied such as Khatt Lemaiteg (Vernet, 1985) near Damane and Medinet Cbat (Nicole Lambert, 1970) near the well of El Guechriyé. The proximity of rock formations, in the form of various guelbs (peaks) or the massif of Ibi Noir (Ibi el Akhdar), means that the flora and fauna of the erg's border are highly varied.
Fig 3 - Amatlich Complex Map
Biology: The rocks shelter numerous plant and animal species that find there (to live and reproduce) effective protection against excessive evaporation (sun, wind). Thus, much as in Adrar Tmar, we note: Plants: Lavandula coronipifolia, Corbichonia decumbens,... Animals: . Invertebrates: insects (the list is long: beetles, lepidoptera,...), arachnids,... . Vertebrates: Reptiles (lizards and snakes, including Malpolon moilensis, Moïla Grass Snake), Nesting Birds: Hirundo rupestris, Rock Swallow Falco biartmicus, Lanner Falcon Bubo ascalaphus, Pearl-spotted Owlet,… Mammals Rhinolophus and Epseticus , Bat Mellivora capensis, Honey Badger Canis aureus, Golden Jackal Felis libyca, Sand Cat Fennecus zerda, Fennec N. B: The inventory is fairly close to that of the interior of the Adrar, site of Zerga for example. But it is still somewhat "The South"... Conclusion / Significance: - Past climates: Dry Sahara, Wet Sahara - Amatlich: small-dimension erg but great variety - Geological Significance Ibi and Guelb Flora and Fauna Archaeological: prehistory, Neolithic Nomadization and circulation zone Documents: Doc 1. "Green" Sahara: series of short articles, Doc 2. Link to Nicole Lambert 1970 Article, Medinat Cbat, Protohistory Doc 3. IGN Map 1/200,000 Akjoujt Doc 4. IGN Map 1/200,000 El Gleitat
Frequently asked questions
The Amatlich is a small-dimension erg (dune massif) located in Mauritania, extending approximately 130 km in length and 5 to 8 km in width, running northwest to southeast. Dating back 25,000 years, it was formed during the Ogolian period by dominant NE-SW winds. Despite its modest size, it offers considerable landscape variety, remarkable fauna and flora, as well as numerous Neolithic sites.
The Amatlich erg dates back 25,000 years. It formed during the Ogolian period (from 22,000 to 15,000 years before present), a phase of intense aridity in the Sahara marked by powerful continental winds that sculpted vast dune complexes across Mauritania and northwestern Africa.
The Amatlich hosts diverse fauna thanks to rocks and guelbs offering natural shelter. Notable species include the Fennec, Sand Cat, Golden Jackal, Honey Badger, bats (Rhinolophus), reptiles such as the Moïla Grass Snake, and several nesting bird species such as the Rock Swallow, Lanner Falcon, and Pearl-spotted Owlet.
Yes, the Amatlich contains numerous Neolithic sites bearing witness to human presence more than 6,000 years ago, during the Sahara's humid period. The sites of Khatt Lemaiteg (studied by Vernet in 1985) and Medinet Cbat (studied by Nicole Lambert in 1970) are among the most documented. Areas such as Graret el Fras recall the past presence of horses in the region.
The Amatlich extends from the palm grove of El Gleitat to the Damane area, near Akjoujt in Mauritania. It is recommended to visit this site as part of an organized tour with a specialized English-speaking guide, such as those offered by Nomadays, in a 4x4 vehicle. Contact our team to plan your personalized itinerary.
The best time to visit the Amatlich is during the Mauritanian winter, between November and March, when temperatures are more mild. Avoid the hot season (April to September) when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Following good summer rains, the ancient hydrographic network can spring back to life, offering a rare spectacle in this desert.
