Oasis
First of all, we would like to tell you what an oasis really is. An oasis is not just a spring in the desert with palm tress around, where only a few people live. In fact an oasis is a depression in the plateau of the Sahara. You could also call it simply a valley. This valley lies deeper than the plateau and therefore there is a bigger chance for groundwater. This groundwater comes through springs to the surface of the desert. Long time ago people settled down around this springs and started to grow different fruits and vegetables. Very often such springs were also used by caravans to refresh humans and animals after a long tour through the desert. Therefore an oasis is not just one spring or a small lake but consists of several springs which can be used to water gardens and fields. Between this fertile areas, which lie close to the water, you will normally find huge deserted areas.