Unveiling the Secrets of Earth's Magnificent Star Dunes
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Reuters
Scientists have conducted the first comprehensive study of a star dune, revealing the internal structure and formation process of these pyramid-shaped sand formations. The study focused on the Lala Lallia star dune in eastern Morocco, showing that it took about 900 years for the dune to form, accumulating roughly 6,400 metric tons of sand annually. Star dunes, which make up just under 10% of Earth's desert dunes, are the tallest and are formed in areas with complex wind regimes. The researchers' findings provide insight into identifying ancient star dunes in the geological record and highlight the awe-inspiring landscapes they create.
