The terrain varied greatly from solid limestone base to impassible deep sand and salt marshes. In the Cyrenaica bulge it was almost mountainous, but impossible to defend. From Gazala to Egypt the desert was tiered in 100 foot steps up to a level of 500 feet above sea level. Along the coast was a sheer cliff face, with only a few ancient tracks leading down to the sea, and the coastal plain, where that existed. Deep wadis traversed the landscape, and proved either helpful or a hindrance, depending on the situation. Paved roads existed only along the coast, but progress through the desert was possible it traditional routes were used.
Here we see the vast expanses over which the Desert War would rage for almost two years. Overland supply was an endless trip, and air supply was dangerous, but logistics and a steady supply of men and materiel were the essential factors that would prove most difficult to maintain.
