Richat Structure
The Richat Structure in Mauritania, known as the Eye of the Sahara, is a 45km-wide circular geologic feature with igneous and sedimentary rocks. Astronaut photography from 2011 reveals its geological complexity.
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The Richat Structure in Mauritania, also known as the Eye of the Sahara, is a circular geologic feature that has intrigued astronauts for years. Geologists believe it is a domed anticline eroded to reveal different rock layers. This 45-kilometer-wide structure consists of igneous and sedimentary rocks, with visible faults indicating shifting strata. Located in the Sahara Desert, the area faces dry conditions and periodic droughts, making it challenging for the 3.7 million inhabitants of Mauritania, most of whom live along the Atlantic coast, far from the Richat Structure. An astronaut photograph taken in 2011 showcases this unique feature from space, highlighting its geological complexity. The image was captured by a member of the Expedition 30 crew using a Nikon D2Xs digital camera. The Earth Observatory at NASA provides valuable insights into Earth's features through astronaut photography and remote sensing, making such images freely available to the public for scientific research and exploration.
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