For centuries, desert travelers have relied on oases as life-giving sanctuaries. These pockets of green have sustained communities, fueled trade, and sparked imaginations. Yet, oases are under pressure. New research exposes the delicate balance between human intervention and natural forces such as desertification shaping the fate of these vital ecosystems. What is an oasis? An oasis isn't simply a desert mirage. It's a distinct, well-defined area where vegetation thrives, contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid landscapes. This extraordinary phenomenon is made possible by a dependable water source,...