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The development of an ’oasis effect’ in Kibbutz Mash’abei-Sadeh, a rural farm settlement within the Negev Desert was examined. Measurements took place during four summer days (July 30-August 2, 2000). Data indicated that whereas a slight ’oasis effect’ was noted in the morning and afternoon hours (although the temperature differences of up to 2.3 degreesC between the kibbutz and its surroundings were not significant), an opposite tendency was noted during noontime and nighttime with kibbutz temperatures being higher than the surrounding desert. The results indicate the complex thermal picture. The various mechanisms and causes for these results are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.