Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Unraveling Kazakhstan's Slug-Shaped Dune Field Mystery

9/3/2025

35 5

Summary

Story summary

A unique dune field in Oyyl, Kazakhstan, spans 75 square miles and resembles a giant slug.
Wind and vegetation shape the dunes, with vegetation stabilizing them.
Most plant life is concentrated along the southern and western edges, near the Uil River.
Scientists are uncertain about the potential expansion of vegetation across the entire dune field.

1 of 1

Story summary

A unique dune field in Oyyl, Kazakhstan, spans 75 square miles and resembles a giant slug.
Wind and vegetation shape the dunes, with vegetation stabilizing them.
Most plant life is concentrated along the southern and western edges, near the Uil River.
Scientists are uncertain about the potential expansion of vegetation across the entire dune field.