An Innovative Engineering Solution to Combat Desertification: The Goubet-Assal Canal Project
The construction of a canal connecting the Gulf of Goubet to Lake Assal in Djibouti presents a groundbreaking opportunity to combat desertification in the region and beyond. This ambitious project involves building a 1000-meter long canal that traverses a 150-meter high volcanic rock formation. Currently, Lake Assal is fed by natural fissures in the rock, but geological surveys suggest the presence of a sand layer beneath the volcanic layer, potentially allowing for the construction of a cost-effective underground pipeline. This innovative solution not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the project's financial feasibility. By strategically flooding Lake Assal, which lies below sea level, the surface area for evaporation would increase significantly, leading to higher atmospheric humidity and increased rainfall in a vast region encompassing Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Beyond its climatic benefits, this project has the potential to tran...