Hidden from the world for centuries, the Eye of the Sahara, an extraordinary geological formation, ignites an unquenchable thirst for adventurers. It is like a tapestry woven with the threads of igneous rocks shrouded with enigma, and mesmerisation. For years, this whimsical geological marvel has been beckoning brave souls to discover its hidden wonders.
Let’s uncover what the eye of the Sahara is together.
The Eye of The Sahara
Located in the Adrar Plateau, a rocky region of Mauritania in northwestern Africa, the eye of the Sahara is a massive circular geological formation with concentric rings that resembles a bull’s eye. Also known as the Richat Structure, or Guelb er Richât, this rocky formation encompasses 40 km in diameter, representing a breathtaking geological spectacle.
It’s an eroded geological structure that exposes flat sedimentary rock layers set on one another that create a circular structure and a pattern of alternating ridges and grooves. What sets it apart is its circular pattern formed by concentrating rings with the central ring being uplifted from other rings.
These rocks were created by continuous erosion of the central peak, or dome, rising to around 400 metres (1,300 feet) above the ground. This type of uplifted geologic dome is better known as a domed anticline.
Physical Structure of The Eye of The Sahara
The domed anticline of the Roichat’s eye is encircled by the rock layers each of which represent different geological periods – from Late Proterozoic at the centre to Ordovician sandstone at the perimeters. These rock layers descend outward at 10–20°t. These rocks have been reported to erode at varying rates, leading to the formation of high-relief circular ridges also called cuestas.
The Eye of Sahara houses various types of volcanic rocks such as gabbro, rhyolite, carbonatites, and kimberlites.
The structure boasts different erosional features – slopes, ridges, and valleys – that make it even more rugged! Now you know how powerfully erosion sculpted the landscape over time. Set apart, the Richat’s Eye is an awe-inspiring landmark structure, an example of nature’s sculpting hands that intrigue all who behold it.
Formation Theories of The Eye of The Sahara
While scientists have put on their processor-like super-active hats to establish a number of theories and demystify the formation secret of the eye of the Sahara, they are still scratching their heads because a universal/concrete theory is yet to be discovered. Untangling this enigma is a highly complex task that needs ongoing research and coordinated efforts of scientists worldwide. Let’s go through some prominent theories behind some of the unique features of this natural wonderland.
Erosion and Uplift
As explained above, it’s the widely accepted hypothesis that suggests that the circular pattern of Richat’s eye is the result of gradual erosion, uplift, and sedimentation. Rock layers uplift due to tectonic and magmatic activities. Shale, volcanic, and sedimentary rocks, etc., are believed to be eroded by wind and water for millions of years, thereby sculpting the landscape and giving it the rugged circular pattern.
Impact Crater Theory
Geologists initially believed that the Richat’s Eye was an impact structure formed by an asteroid or meteoroid slamming into the Earth’s surface. This hypothesis was declared null and void as an in-depth study of the formation of the rocks in the Eye indicating they are formed on the Earth. e was an impact crater, created when an object from space slammed into the surface. However, lengthy studies of the rocks inside the structure show that its origins are entirely Earth-based.
Volcanic Activities
It’s another hypothesis with strong evidence.
Some geologists predict various volcanic activities such as lava ejected from volcanic eruptions or molten rock (magma) flow to play a critical role in shaping the circular and uplifted pattern of the Richat’s Structure.
According to another hypothesis, the uplifted dome of the Eye of the Sahara, as we see it today, was not like that millions of years ago.
Most of these areas were temperate with water flowing abundantly. At that time, strong wind blows caused sandstone to get deposited on the floor of rivers and lakes. These layers of rocks got pushed up and uplifted by subsurface volcanic activities. Once the volcanism calmed, water and wind flow started to erode the curved rock layers. This way, the region slowly stabilised and tucked inward, giving rise to the circular shape of what we call the Eye of the Sahara.
The other hypothesis says that the volcanic activities, along with the water flowing from the mighty Atlantic Ocean, formed the Eye. At that time, when the supercontinent started to tear apart, magma generated from volcanism started to push up by fracturing the Earth’s strong mantle, thereby giving rise to the circular Eye with sandstone surrounding the structure. Gradually, the central uplifted dome subsided and erosion, over time, further moulded the structure leaving it with circular ridges.
Scientific Value of the Eye of The Sahara
Besides its spectacular view that mesmerises adventurers, the geological wonder, The Eye of the Sahara desert, holds immense scientific value. It’s so enormous that it’s even visible from space.
Astronauts, when on the Gemini Gemini IV mission, captured its high-resolution images from space. Research on the formation of the region provides valuable information on various geological processes such as uplift, sedimentation, erosion, effects of tectonic forces, etc. Richat’s Structure has archaeological significance as well. Scientists have found evidence of various types of hunting tools, such as axes, that might have been used by humans in the regions there.
Fun fact: Do you know that some suggest The Richat’s Structure as the possible location of Atlantis – the mythical lost city described Greek philosopher Plato? However, this claim is not backed by scientific research and is therefore considered null and void!
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