Mysteries of Star Dunes: Experts Uncover Age and Formation Secrets in Morocco's Lala Lallia Sand Sea

The age and origin of colossal "star dunes" have long perplexed scientists globally.

Now, breakthrough research addresses this geological mystery, dating back thousands of years. Conducted by academics from Aberystwyth University, Birkbeck, and UCL, this study pioneers the dating and examination of a star dune's internal structure.

Origins of Lala Lallia Star Dune

Star dunes, massive sand formations characterized by arms extending from a central peak, are widespread in modern deserts like those in Africa, Arabia, China, and North America.

A recent study, titled "Structure and chronology of a star dune at Erg Chebbi, Morocco, reveals why star dunes are rarely recognized in the rock record" published in Scientific Reports, has unveiled the age and origins of these geological wonders, specifically focusing on a star dune in Morocco's Erg Chebbi area in the Sahara Desert, known as Lala Lallia.

Contrary to expectations, the research indicates that the oldest sections of the Moroccan dune's base date back 13,000 years, with surprising evidence suggesting rapid formation within the last millennium. This challenges the previously held belief that larger dunes had much older origins.

Renowned as the tallest dunes on Earth, towering up to 300 meters, star dunes are not only confined to our planet but are also found on Mars and Saturn's moon Titan. Despite their prevalence in contemporary deserts, star dunes have been notably absent in the geological record, perplexing scientists who expected their traces in Earth's history, preserved deep within rocks.

Throughout the years, the Erg Chebbi area has gained cinematic attention in TV series and blockbuster films. The research delves into the surprising growth dynamics of the sand pyramid, revealing that its impressive dimensions of 100 meters in height and 700 meters in width were achieved through rapid expansion over the past thousand years, accompanied by a gradual westward shift at an approximate rate of 50 cm per year.

Professor Geoff Duller of Aberystwyth University emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the study, using advanced technology to unveil the secrets of these extraordinary star dunes, describing them as natural wonders that challenge prior geological assumptions.

Formation of Star Dunes

Duller, Chair of Aberystwyth University in Wales, described star dunes as remarkable natural wonders. From the ground, resembling pyramids, these formations reveal a star-like appearance from the air, with a central peak extending arms in different directions.

These structures, molded by winds from various directions, possess an additional extraordinary characteristic-they appear to shift approximately 19 inches annually, adding to their enigma. Duller emphasized the surprising pace at which the massive dune, named Lala Lallia, took shape, a phenomenon unveiled through a custom sand luminescence dating technique.

While the age of 13,000 years for the oldest sections of Lala Lallia might seem ancient by human standards, it's relatively recent on the geological timescale, where formations span hundreds of thousands to millions of years. Astonishingly, the youngest part of the dune formed within the last thousand years, a mere blink of an eye in geological terms.

Lala Lallia, standing over 200 feet tall and nearly 2,300 feet wide, is not the largest sand star on Earth. China's Badain Jaran Desert hosts the tallest ones, reaching nearly 1,000 feet, according to the university's press release.