Story perspectives

Stunning Satellite Images Reveal Secrets of Richat Structure

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Richat Structure in Mauritania's Adrar plateau is a 50-kilometre-wide geological formation often mistaken for an impact crater.
New images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission and historical data reveal its layered rock structure from a hardened volcanic dome eroding over time.
The formation is visible from space, showing quartzite sandstones and valleys of softer rock.
Despite the Sahara Desert’s harsh environment, vegetation persists along ancient riverbeds.

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Story summary

The Richat Structure in Mauritania's Adrar plateau is a 50-kilometre-wide geological formation often mistaken for an impact crater.
New images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission and historical data reveal its layered rock structure from a hardened volcanic dome eroding over time.
The formation is visible from space, showing quartzite sandstones and valleys of softer rock.
Despite the Sahara Desert’s harsh environment, vegetation persists along ancient riverbeds.