The anthropogenic "Runoff" landscape of the Central Negev Desert

Hendrik J Bruins, Amos Frumkin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Landscapes are inherently formed by geological, climatic, and geomorphological processes. However, anthropogenic activities may also affect the shaping of the landscape. This has been the case in the hilly central Negev desert, where remarkable human-made landscape changes occurred, related to the utilization of precious runoff rainwater in an arid environment. Hundreds of cisterns were constructed in selected geological strata, accompanied by cleverly designed hillside conduits to harvest runoff for vital drinking water. Many thousands of stone terrace walls were built in wadis to capture runoff water for food production. Millions of stones were repositioned along hillslopes in stone mounds and stone strips to enhance runoff generation. These anthropogenic changes in the landscape led to beneficial soil aggradation in valleys and beautiful constructs in terms of landscape architecture.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLandscapes and Landforms of Israel
Pages335-351
Number of pages17
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

RAMBI Publications

  • Rambi Publications
  • Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Israel -- Negev
  • Anthropogenic soils -- Israel -- Negev
  • Terracing -- Israel -- Negev
  • Cisterns -- Israel -- Negev
  • Water harvesting -- Israel -- Negev

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