Makhtesh

A makhtesh (Hebrew: מַכְתֵּשׁ ([maχˈteʃ]); pl.: makhteshim, Hebrew: מַכְתְּשִׁים [ˌmaχteˈʃim]) is a unique geological landform found primarily in the Negev desert of Israel and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. A makhtesh has steep walls of resistant rock surrounding a deep closed valley, which is typically drained by a single wadi. The valleys have limited vegetation and soil, containing a variety of different-colored rocks and diverse fauna and flora. The best known and largest makhtesh is Makhtesh Ramon.

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