Africa: Atlas of Our Changing Environment Page: 310

                                
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Flooding and the Jonglei Canal: Sudd Swamp, Sudan
The Sudd is a vast wetland ecosystem in southern Sudan where the Nile River meanders for
nearly 645 km through the landscape. During the dry season (February 2005 image), the
wetlands contract to approximately 8 300 km2 of permanent swamp. During the wet season
(July/August 2005 image), the Sudd floods, expanding to cover 80 000 km2. This annual pattern
of water rising and receding shapes the entire ecosystem and is crucial to the survival of the
wetlands' plants and animals and to the nomadic lifestyle of the Nuer, Dinka, and Shilluk people
who live in the region.

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