Eye of the Sahara: A Geological Marvel in the Mauritanian Desert

The Eye of the Sahara, also known as the Richat structure, is a giant rock dome in Mauritania that resembles a bullseye when viewed from above. Visible from space, the eye has been known to astronauts since the 1950s and measures approximately 40 to 50 kilometers in diameter. The circular shape and concentric rings of the eye were initially believed to be an impact structure, but geological studies revealed its formation through tectonic uplift and subsequent erosion. The eye stands out amidst the vast Erg Oudane desert, with ridges and grooves sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. It holds archaeological significance as well, with excavations uncovering tools associated with ancient human ancestors. Despite its resemblance to the mythical lost continent of Atlantis, geological evidence disproves such claims.

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