Richat Structure

Mauritania / Adrar / Singati /
 geology, interesting place, tourist attraction
Image: (c) NASA Richat Structure. Sometimes referred to as the "Eye of Africa". This prominent circular feature, known as the Richat Structure, in the Sahara desert of Mauritania is often noted by astronauts because it forms a conspicuous 50-kilometer-wide (30-mile-wide) bull's-eye on the otherwise rather featureless expanse of the desert. Initially mistaken for a possible impact crater, it is now known to be an eroded circular anticline (structural dome) of layered sedimentary rocks.
photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/pia04963
www.unb.ca/passc/ImpactDatabase/faq.html#richatn(a short for sale video in French : www.radio-canada.ca/actualite/v2/decouverte/niveau2_lis...
Long enough time, structure Rishat, served as a reference point for cosmonauts in an space-orbit. Because it was well a visible object in the middle of the desert.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richat_Structure
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   21°7'4"N   11°22'32"W

Comments

  • Eye of the Sahara (Mauritania): This spectacular landform in Mauritania in the southwestern part of the Sahara desert is so huge with a diameter of 30 miles that it is visible from space. Called Richat Structure --or the Eye of the Sahara-- the The formation was originally thought to be caused by a meteorite impact but now geologists believe it is a product of uplift and erosion. The cause of its circular shape is still a mystery.
  • Ларе надо посетить уникальный город, лежащий в пустыне, да и прозвище своё он получил не случайно, а от «малого острова», являющегося историческим ядром большого города.
  • This place is called as "The Desert's Eye" by astronots.
  • One of earth's most remarkable places! Once you're on the ground, though, it is difficult to see anything unusual.
  • Atlantis
  • Show all comments
  •  444 km
  •  497 km
  •  587 km
  •  591 km
  •  738 km
  •  843 km
  •  961 km
  •  1024 km
  •  1087 km
  •  1119 km