Unlocking the Mysteries of Morocco’s Giant Moving Star Dune

Researchers from Aberystwyth University in Wales, alongside colleagues from the University of London, have embarked on a journey to unravel the secrets of a towering star dune nestled in the remote landscapes of Morocco’s Erg Chebbi sand sea.

Star dunes, remarkable formations resembling pyramids from the ground and stars from above, have captured the fascination of scientists for their enigmatic nature. Now, with advanced techniques and innovative approaches, experts have delved into the history and behavior of these colossal structures.

At the heart of their investigation lies Lala Lallia, a towering dune standing 100 meters tall and stretching 700 meters wide. Named after the “highest sacred point” in the Berber language, this dune holds clues to its past etched in its sandy layers.

Through meticulous analysis, researchers unveiled a surprising revelation: while the base of the dune dates back 13,000 years, the upper layers formed relatively recently, within the past 1,000 years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the dune’s age and evolution, shedding light on its dynamic nature.

The dune’s formation, researchers explain, is intricately linked to the interplay of opposing winds. Winds from the southwest and northeast converge, depositing sand and gradually sculpting the dune’s shape. Meanwhile, a persistent eastward wind exerts a slow but steady force, causing the dune to migrate westward at a rate of approximately 50 centimeters per year.

Beyond unraveling the dune’s age and formation, the study offers valuable insights for infrastructure planning and development. As the dune continues its gradual migration, understanding its movement patterns becomes crucial for designing resilient infrastructure in desert regions.

The research team utilized luminescence dating techniques pioneered at Aberystwyth University to unravel the dune’s history. By examining when minerals in the sand were last exposed to sunlight, scientists gained unprecedented insights into the dune’s timeline and evolution.

As the sands of time shift and shape the landscape, scientists stand at the forefront, unlocking the mysteries of Morocco’s giant moving star dune. Through their groundbreaking research, they illuminate the intricate dance of wind and sand that has sculpted Earth’s deserts for millennia.