Eye of the Sahara

Eye of the Sahara Facts

The Eye of the Sahara ranks as one of the most incredible geological marvels of our world. This phenomenal site sits in the Sahara Desert in western Mauritania, in Africa.
Further, this extraordinary geological feature was actually unknown until it was accidentally spotted from space.
Between its extreme remoteness and its sheer size, no one noticed its uniqueness, even when passing through it.
While competing theories concerning its origins exist, the debate still rages among some scientists. Nature seems reluctant to yield its mysteries to mankind.

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Eye of the Sahara Physical Description

Evidence also indicates that the astonishing Eye of the Sahara represents the remnants of a geologic dome that formed approximately 100 million years ago.

It has a rough diameter of 25 mi (40 km). Actually consisting of several concentric rings, the largest, the central area, measures roughly 19 mi (30 km) in diameter.

A wide variety of rock structures appears in the various sections of the Eye, such as volcanic rocks, gabbros, carbonatites, and kimberlites.

Numerous hydrothermal features also exist within the site. These include formations consisting of sandstone, silica, and limestone.

Eye of the Sahara Mysterious Origins

Local people believed that the remarkable Eye of the Sahara was originally the result of a large meteor strike in ages past, but scientific studies have recently disproved that theory.

Also, different types of rock structures make up each of the separate rings. Scientists still have no definitive explanation for that rather surprising fact either.

The truly astonishing site actually remains visible from orbit. Scientists now believe it most likely is the result of the effects of uplift and erosion, although geologists admit that they are not certain about that.

The cause of its circular shape remains a mystery.