ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Oasis

Oasis is a group of things that help us survive in a dry and hot place called a desert. In the desert, it usually doesn't rain very often and it can be very hot during the day. But, an oasis is a special place in the desert where you can find some water and a few plants that can survive in the dry and hot weather.

Imagine you're in the desert and you're feeling very thirsty because there's no water around you. Suddenly, you spot a place that has some trees and plants in it. When you go closer, you see that there is also some water! This place is called an oasis!

An oasis usually has a small pond or lake where the water collects. These water sources can come from underground sources, like wells or springs, or from rainwater that has collected in a dip or hollow. Because of this water source, some plants can grow in the oasis. Some common plants found in an oasis are date palms, acacia trees, tamarisk trees, and other small shrubs. These plants are important because they provide food, shelter, and protection for animals that live in the desert.

Because oases have water, they can become a stopping point for travelers who need water, food, and a place to rest. In ancient times, people traveled through the desert in caravans, which were groups of people traveling together on camels, donkeys, or horses. They would stop at oases along the way to replenish themselves, and sometimes they would even set up small towns around the oasis.

So, an oasis is a special place in the desert where you can find a little bit of water and some plants, and it's important for survival in the desert.