![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2015\/07\/central_algeria\/15507652-1-eng-GB\/Central_Algeria_small.jpg\")
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\nThe sandy and rocky terrain of the Sahara desert in central Algeria was captured in this image by the Sentinel-2A satellite.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe largest country in Africa, more than 90% of Algeria is covered by the Sahara desert. Major oil and natural gas deposits lie beneath the Sahara, contributing to Algeria\u2019s position as one of the wealthiest African nations.\n<\/p>\n
\nIn its entirety, the Sahara stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea and is centred on the Tropic of Cancer. It is the world\u2019s largest hot desert, covering an area of about 9 million sq km over parts of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia and Sudan.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe area pictured here is about 90 km south of the El M\u00e9nia oasis \u2013 also known as El Gol\u00e9a \u2013 in Algeria\u2019s Gharda\u00efa province.\n<\/p>\n
\nRunning north to south just left of the large sand dune at the centre, we can see a road that connects El M\u00e9nia to Ain Salah to the south, which was once an important link on the trans-Saharan trade route.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe heat and lack of water render vast desert areas highly unwelcoming, making satellites the best way to observe these environments on a large scale. In addition, optical imagery of deserts from space is arguably the most fascinating: the diversity and untouched state of these landscapes produce unique and striking scenes.\n<\/p>\n
\nSentinel-2A was launched on 23 June from Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana. Although the satellite\u2019s multispectral imager is still being calibrated, it delivered a spectacular first scan of Earth on 27 June, which included the area pictured here.\n<\/p>\n
\nWhile providing detailed information about Earth\u2019s vegetation, the Sentinel-2 mission will play a key role in mapping differences in land cover to understand the landscape, map how it is used and monitor changes over time.\n<\/p>\n
\nIt will also provide measurements of water quality and detect changes in water bodies, supporting the sustainable management of water resources \u2013 an invaluable tool for arid areas where water is scarce.\n<\/p>\n