Grand Erg Occidental Grand Erg Occidental The Grand Erg Occidental (, al-ʿIrq al-Gharbī al-Kabīr), (also known as the Western Sand Sea) is the second largest erg in northern Algeria after the Grand Erg Oriental. It covers an area of approximately . The sand dunes in the erg are formed by the wind, and can be up to high. Certain crescent-shaped dunes, known as barchans, are actually mobile; the wind can push these dunes as much as 20 to 30 m (65-100 ft) in one year. It is a desert natural region that receives less than 50 mm (1,96 in) of rainfall per year.
Erg Ferradj eastern side. Erg Ferradj has a hot desert climate, with extremely hot summers and cool winters, and very little precipitation throughout the year. Agriculture is the main industry in Erg Ferradj. The commune has a total of of arable land found mainly to the east of the town, of which is irrigated. There are a total of 116,040 date palms planted in the commune. As of 2009 there were 9,575 sheep, 6,050 goats, 714 camels, and 23 cattle. There were also 6,400 chickens in 6 buildings. There is no significant tourist industry in Erg Ferradj. Basic services in the town