NASA Discovers Ancient Sahara Formation Older Than Dinosaurs
Recent observations by NASA’s Earth Observatory have unveiled the geological significance of three ancient plateaus in Mauritania. This region, characterized by striking formations known as mesas, offers insights into the Sahara Desert’s history, extending back to the Paleozoic Era.
Nasa Discovers Ancient Sahara Formation Older Than Dinosaurs
In May 2023, astronauts aboard the International Space Station captured an intriguing image of these formations. The mesas, with flat tops and dark surfaces, are surrounded by expansive sandy dunes. Their unique appearance is a result of both geological history and current atmospheric conditions.
The Mesas: Natural Marvels
- Location: Southern Mauritania
- Age: Over 541 million years, dating back to the Paleozoic Era
- Characteristics: Black-topped hills with a thin layer of rock varnish
This rock varnish, formed by clay, manganese, and iron oxides, contributes to the mesas’ distinctive appearance. Created through geological and biological processes, this coating has persisted despite millions of years of erosion, serving as a record of the Earth’s geological history.
A Contrast of Landscapes
The juxtaposition of vegetation-rich dunes and barren rock adds a striking visual element to the desert landscape. Winds from the east carry sand grains that accumulate on the mesas, forming climbing dunes. These dunes evolve into barchan shapes, creating a dynamic landscape that shifts with the wind.
Conversely, the area west of the mesas exhibits a stark contrast. Here, high-velocity winds create a “dune-free zone,” effectively sweeping away sand and leaving a barren patch amid the surrounding desert. This phenomenon illustrates the delicate balance of air currents and topography impacting sand movement.
Geological History and Global Significance
Geologists suggest that, during the Paleozoic Era, these mesas were once part of a larger geological formation. Over time, erosion has isolated them into their current structure. This process mirrors geological features found in other parts of the world, including the Richat Structure, or “Eye of the Sahara,” located about 460 kilometers from the mesas.
The discovery of these ancient formations highlights the similar erosional features existing globally—from the deserts of the American Southwest to the surface of Mars. Such findings demonstrate the shared geological processes that have shaped both planets, linking the Earth’s past to the mysteries of our neighboring worlds.
