Wadi facts for kids
A Wadi (say "WAH-dee") is like a special valley or a dry riverbed you find in places with hot, dry climates, like deserts. Most of the time, wadis are completely dry. But when there's a lot of rain, especially heavy thunderstorms, they can quickly fill up with water and become fast-flowing rivers! This sudden rush of water is called a flash flood, and it can be very dangerous. In some countries, a wadi might also be called a canyon.
What is a Wadi?
A wadi is a natural landform, usually a valley or a channel carved by water. You'll find them mostly in North Africa and the Middle East. Unlike regular rivers that always have water, wadis only have water after heavy rain. This means they are often dry for most of the year.
How Wadis Form
Wadis are created over many years by water flowing through the land. Even though it doesn't rain often in deserts, when it does, the water runs off quickly. This fast-moving water carves out channels and valleys in the soft ground. Over time, these channels become deeper and wider, forming the wadis we see today.
Why Wadis Can Be Dangerous
Staying in a wadi can be very risky. Even if the sky above you is clear, a heavy rainstorm miles away can send a huge amount of water rushing down the wadi. This water can rise incredibly fast, turning a dry riverbed into a powerful, dangerous flood in minutes. These sudden floods are called flash floods. They can carry away rocks, trees, and anything else in their path. It's important to be careful and aware of weather conditions if you are ever near a wadi.
Images for kids
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Wadis in northeastern Egypt, North Africa
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Triassic wadi deposit near Ogmore-By-Sea, Wales. Clasts are Carboniferous Limestone.
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Wadi Bani Khalid in the Northern Governorate of Ash-Sharqiyyah Region, Oman, Arabian peninsula
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The Al Bithnah Fort in the Wadi Ham, United Arab Emirates.
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The Wadi Shawkah in the United Arab Emirates.
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The Wadi Maydaq, in the United Arab Emirates.
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Ruined farmhouse in the Wadi Helo, United Arab Emirates.
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The Wadi Qor in the United Arab Emirates.
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The Wadi Asimah in the United Arab Emirates.
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A road washed away by the powerful winter flash floods of the Wadi Esfai, United Arab Emirates.
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The Wadi Hayl in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
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The important heritage site of Wadi Helo spans both Sharjah and Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
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See also
In Spanish: Uadi para niños
