- A vast, flat, and rocky desert with few natural landmarks.
- The terrain is mostly desert, with some areas of sand dunes and rocky outcrops.
- The surface is hard-packed sand and gravel, with some areas of loose sand.
- The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and dropping to near freezing at night in the winter.
- The terrain was mostly flat, with some low hills and ridges, but it was broken up by numerous wadis (dry riverbeds) that could be used as natural defensive positions.
- The ground was covered with a layer of loose sand that made it difficult for vehicles to move and made digging in difficult.
- There was a lack of vegetation, which meant that there was little cover from the sun or the enemy's view.
- The conditions were extremely challenging for the soldiers who had to fight in this environment, and they required a great deal of endurance and stamina.
- The terrain gave the Axis powers an advantage, as they were able to use their superior mobility to outmaneuver the Allies.