Sudden Appearance of Lake Ghadba in Minya, Egypt: A Geological Overview
September 2025, a previously dry area in the Bahnasah region, west of Beni Mazar in Minya Governorate, Egypt, witnessed the sudden appearance of a lake, locally referred to as Lake Ghadba. This rare natural phenomenon has captured the attention of both local and international media.
Geological Explanation
According to Dr. Mohamed Youssef, Professor of Hydrogeology at the Desert Research Center, the lake formed due to groundwater leakage into a previously dry depression containing abandoned sand quarries. Water from deep aquifers surfaced through natural geological formations, creating a water body in an area that historically had no surface water. (Al Jazeera)
Physical Characteristics
Area: Approximately 4–5 feddans (~16,800–21,000 m²).
Depth: Between 10 and 30 meters, varying across different points.
Salinity: High, around 8,200–9,000 ppm, making the water unsuitable for drinking, agriculture, or livestock use. (Shorouk News)
Scientific Significance
This sudden lake is geologically rare, especially in Egypt's central desert region. Its formation provides researchers with an opportunity to study groundwater dynamics, geological faulting, and natural water accumulation in arid zones.
Media Coverage
While local Egyptian outlets such as Al-Masry Al-Youm, Al-Shorouk, and Al Jazeera reported extensively on the lake, international coverage has been limited, mainly circulating through social media platforms.
Conclusion: Lake Ghadba is a unique, transient natural phenomenon in Egypt, offering scientific value for hydrogeologists and geologists worldwide. Its sudden appearance emphasizes the dynamic nature of groundwater systems and the surprises that arid landscapes can produce.
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