Discover the mysteries of star dunes, some of the tallest sand dunes on Earth, sculpted by winds from multiple directions. Scientists have long been puzzled by their formation and absence in the geological record. Recent research on a star dune in the Sahara Desert revealed surprising insights. The dune’s base formed around 13,000 years ago, with most of its growth occurring in the last 1,000 years. The dune is also on the move, migrating about half a meter per year.
The study involved radar scans and analysis of sand grains to map the dune’s internal structure. By measuring the age of sand grains using optically stimulated luminescence dating, researchers determined when the dune formed and how quickly it grew. The research also addressed the scarcity of ancient evidence of star dunes in the geological record, suggesting that eroded parts of preserved structures may have been misidentified.
Ancient star dunes may have been overlooked due to a lack of awareness about their prevalence among geologists. With the help of technology like Google Earth, scientists now have a better understanding of the widespread nature of these features. The study sheds light on the rapid growth and movement of star dunes, providing valuable insights for infrastructure planning in desert regions.
