Dieback of Atlas Cedar Trees in Algeria (IMAGE) University of Arizona Caption The prolonged drought in northwest Africa from 1999-2002 killed many Atlas cedar trees. This photo is from a site in Algeria where tree-ring researcher Ramzi Touchan took samples to develop a drought history of the region. The trees, also known as Cedrus atlantica, are native to the Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa. Credit Photo courtesy of R. Touchan, University of Arizona. Usage Restrictions This photo may be used only to illustrate a story about the research described in the release, 20th Century One of Driest in Nine Centuries for Northwest Africa. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.