Unraveling the Geological Mysteries of the Sahara Eye in the Sahara Desert: What's the Connection to Atlantis?
Lihatlah kemegahan Mata Sahara dari luar angkasa atau di atas pesawat terbang. Ini adalah salah satu dari 100 situs warisan geologi pertama yang diakui oleh International Union of Geological Science (IUGS).
There is a geological formation in the Sahara Desert that still holds many mysteries. This formation is called the Sahara Eye and looks like a large impact crater when seen from above. This formation stretches for 50 kilometers and consists of several uniform ridges.
Mysterious geological formation in the Sahara Desert, Mauritania, called the Sahara Eye / Blueee77 Shutterstock
Uncovering the Mysteries of the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Eye was discovered in the middle of the Sahara Desert in the 1960s by astronauts. Initially, geologists believed it was a volcano crater. Yet, research indicated that it was formed during the late Proterozoic era. Some people believe that the circular structure is the remains of the city of Atlantis. Scientists concluded that it might have been created through folding. This happened when tectonic forces affected the hot enough sedimentary rocks, causing it to fold. An upfold is called an anticline, while a downfold is called a syncline. Are we really looking at the remains of a lost civilization? Is it possible that the Sahara Eye is actually the remains of the mythical city of Atlantis? We may never know the truth, but the geological mysteries of the Sahara Eye will always keep us intrigued.
Mysterious Alien-Like Plane That Landed in the Sahara
Photo of the Sahara Eye taken from space/ISS, NASA
The Sahara Eye structure is composed of a mixture of sedimentary and igneous rocks. Erosion at the surface reveals both finely-grained riolite and coarsely-grained gabbro, which have been heavily modified by hydrothermal activity. There is a swirling pattern of various rock types, and the central dome contains limestone exposures and breccia. This complex geological structure has been drawing the attention of experts ever since its discovery. The Sahara Eye is set to become one of the first 100 geological sites to be recognized by the IUGS in 2022. To get the best view of the Sahara Eye, one must view it from outer space or from an airplane, so for now, satellite images are the best way to appreciate its beauty.
Discover One of the Closest Cities: Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the closest cities to the Sahara Desert. For adventurers, Marrakech is an amazing destination. Here, you can experience the rich and wonderful Moroccan culture. In Marrakech, you can visit many places such as Jemaa el-Fna Market, the Old Town, and Koutoubia Tower. The city also has many restaurants, cafés and bars offering traditional and modern cuisine. If you're curious, you can stop by Marrakech to stay and enjoy a lot of fun activities.
