It is time to read about a story that revolves around Africa’s Richat structure - the 'Eye of Sahara' - resembling an alien vista.
The ‘Eye of the Sahara’ is a geological formation situated in the Sahara Desert. The strange geological formation extends across a width of 40 km in the Mauritania region. The Gemini astronauts were the first to photograph the structure during the 1960s. The Landsat satellite later captured additional images and offered information about the height, extent, and size of the Eye. Keep reading to find out more.
Structure of the 'Eye of Sahara.'
As discovered by Geologists, the rocks constituting the center of this bizarre formation are much older in contrast to the rocks that form the outer rings. The entire geological structure is approximately 45 kilometers in length. The rocks found on the inside comprise gabbros, rhyolitic volcanic rocks, kimberlites, and carbonatites. Being made of sedimentary and igneous rocks, the structure’s edges display numerous fractures between the blocks of the rocks. According to experts, the carbonatite rocks are as old as 94 to 104 million years.
How was it formed?
A volcanic activity dating back millions of years ago raised the entire landscape surrounding the Eye. At that time, this region was not a desert; Instead, it was more temperate, with ample flowing water. Debris of sandstone rocks formed layers after being deposited by blowing winds, and eventually, the subsurface volcanic flow raised the overlying layers of the rocks. After the volcanism stopped, water and air began eroding the layers of rocks. The region began to collapse in on itself, and it settled down creating the circular “eye” formation.
How to visit the Eye of Sahara
The Western region of the Sahara does not enjoy temperate conditions anymore, but it is not impossible to visit the sandy, arid desert that is home to the Eye of the Sahara, but the journey will not be a luxurious one. You have to first get access to a Mauritanian visa and seek a local sponsor. Following this, you need to arrange local travel facilities. Some well-off entrepreneurs offer hot air balloon trips or airplane rides over the Eye, offering visitors an aerial view. The stunning geological structure can be spotted near a town named Oudane - just a car ride away. You will even find a hotel inside the structure.
Future Status
Despite attracting a large number of tourists and geologists, the geological structure is not threatened by humans owing to scanty rainfall in a sparsely inhabited desert. Desert winds and climate change, in particular, can create more sand dunes due to desertification in the region. In the distant future, travelers will only get to witness a windy desert that keeps the striking geological feature buried under the surface.
Our nature sometimes seems reluctant to unveil its mysteries to mankind, and that is what mesmerizes us.
