Richat Structure: Mysterious Ancient Eye Of The Sahara Desert – No One Knows Why Is It Nearly Circular

MessageToEagle.com – A gigantic geological structure in the Sahara Desert of Mauretania, which is seen in this satellite image, is measuring approximately 50 km (32 miles) in diameter.

It is known as the Richat Structure and has been a familiar landmark since the earliest space missions.

It is one of the most unique rock formations on Earth and it is called the ‘bull’s eye’ by space stations.

The structure, which is clearly visible from space, is located between the Tiris Zemmour and Adrar (in the northern-most region of Mauritania) and surrounded by thousands of square miles of nearly featureless desert.

Earth's Richat Structure. Image Credit: NASA/GSFC/METI/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team — Earth’s Richat Structure. Image Credit: NASA/GSFC/METI/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team

It was once believed to be the result of a meteor crater, however, the structure’s middle and lack of shock-altered rock indicates otherwise.

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The possibility that the Richat Structure was formed by a volcanic eruption also seems questionable because of the lack of a dome of igneous or volcanic rock.

Rather, the layered sedimentary rock of the Richat structure is now thought by many to have been caused by a large dome of molten rock uplifting and once at the surface being shaped by wind and water what we observe today.

So what we see today are four ridges with valleys of less resistant rock between them. There are four rings made up of different rock structures.

Why the Richat Structure is nearly circular remains a mystery.

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