Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Astronaut Photos Unique Sahara Mesas Revealing Ancient Landscape

12/3/2025

25 6

Summary

Story summary

An astronaut captured a photo of three dark mesas in the Sahara near Guérou, Mauritania, on May 3, 2023.
The mesas rise between 1,000 and 1,300 feet and create a dune-free zone due to wind patterns.
Dunes form on the eastern side under prevailing winds, with the western side scoured.
The formation may have originated from a larger Paleozoic rock structure, similar to the Richat Structure in Mauritania.

1 of 1

Story summary

An astronaut captured a photo of three dark mesas in the Sahara near Guérou, Mauritania, on May 3, 2023.
The mesas rise between 1,000 and 1,300 feet and create a dune-free zone due to wind patterns.
Dunes form on the eastern side under prevailing winds, with the western side scoured.
The formation may have originated from a larger Paleozoic rock structure, similar to the Richat Structure in Mauritania.