Scientists Unveil the Secrets Behind the Lala Lallia Dune
In the remote deserts of Morocco, a colossal structure has captivated the attention of scientists and explorers alike – the Lala Lallia star dune, a towering marvel that resembles pyramids from the ground and stars from the air. For decades, this extraordinary natural wonder has been shrouded in mystery, with researchers puzzling over its age, formation, and unique movement across the sandy expanse.
Collaborative Effort to Unravel Nature’s Wonders
In a groundbreaking study, a team of researchers from Aberystwyth University in Wales, alongside experts from the University of London, embarked on a journey to unravel the secrets of the Lala Lallia dune, situated in the Erg Chebbi sand sea. Professor Geoff Duller from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University expressed awe at these dunes, describing them as “extraordinary things” and “one of the natural wonders of the world.
Unveiling the Dune’s Age and Formation
Through meticulous research and cutting-edge techniques, the team uncovered surprising revelations about the dune’s age and formation. They determined that the base of the 100-meter-high and 700-meter-wide dune dates back an astonishing 13,000 years, while the upper part formed relatively recently, within the last 1,000 years.
Duller explained that the dune’s base stabilized approximately 9,000 years ago, possibly due to a wetter climate supporting vegetation growth. However, as the climate changed again, the star dune’s formation accelerated, driven by opposing winds from the southwest and northeast.
Slow but Steady Westward Journey
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Lala Lallia dune is its slow but steady westward movement, propelled by an eastward wind at a rate of approximately 50 centimeters per year. Duller emphasized the importance of understanding this movement for infrastructure development, such as roads and pipelines, in the region.
Unlocking the Secrets with Luminescence Dating
To unveil the dune’s age, the researchers employed cutting-edge luminescence dating techniques, leveraging methods developed at Aberystwyth University. This innovative approach involved analyzing the last time the minerals in the sand were exposed to sunlight, utilizing the unique property of quartz grains that act as miniature rechargeable batteries.
Duller clarified that they focused on determining when the sand was deposited, not when it was formed millions of years ago. The luminescence technique enabled them to measure the last time the sand grains saw daylight, a challenging task that involved collecting samples without exposing them to light by cutting pits into the dunes and using an old drainpipe for sample gathering.
The team’s groundbreaking findings, shedding light on the intriguing age and formation of Morocco’s star dune, have been published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, contributing to our understanding of these natural wonders and their evolution over time.
In conclusion, the study of Morocco’s moving star dune exemplifies the unwavering curiosity and perseverance of scientists in unraveling the mysteries of our natural world. Through collaborative efforts and innovative techniques, researchers have unveiled secrets that have eluded us for decades, offering insights into the intricate processes that shape our planet’s landscapes and inspiring us to continue exploring the wonders that surround us.
