A new type of pipeline... one that pumps water to no one (and everyone)

[deleted-357920]

My question is a simple one but also a very broad one.

I am from Australia, a land which is predominantly desert. My question pertains to an desert environment, such as Australia, or the Sahara, or the middle east.

What would happen if we built a pipeline from the ocean, to the middle of a desert?

In this case, assume that it goes through a desalination plant at the beginning and the location of the end of the pipe is a suitable area, where water would distribute well, or create a large lake, river system; and actually has some direction it would flow.

Also, what would it be like 10 years down the line if it had simply been left on the entire time?

In a place like the sahara, would there be more global climate changes? (good or bad)

This idea all spawned from the realisation that billions are happily spent piping oil out of water starved areas, but the idea of piping water into these areas is a ridiculous notion. (this isnt about the money, i dont particularly care about the costs. I am curious about what would happen to the land, and climate as well as wildlife and people)

[williamcolocho]

Hi,

You may better luck posting your question on a science discussion site. This one is dedicated to help with science fail projects.

In short, water may or may not just go underground. If it does go underground not much may happen at the surface. If small plants start growing, over time soil would form and bigger plants may follow.

Plants take in C02 and produce O2 so that at a large scale this process would help with climate change.

Cheers,