Ancient beneath, young on top: unveiling the age of Morocco’s star dunes

Towering over Morocco's Erg Chebbi sand sea, star dunes have captivated explorers for centuries. But their age remained a mystery. Recent research led by NASA scientists has finally revealed that these majestic dunes, which can reach over 100 meters high, are a tale of two eras.

Using a technique called luminescence dating, the team analyzed the sand in the dunes. This method reveals the last time minerals in the grains were exposed to sunlight. The bases of these dunes, where the sand has been accumulating for millennia, are 13,000 years old. 

However, the upper reaches of the dunes, sculpted by more recent winds, tell a different tale. The luminescence dating suggests the top layer is a much younger, forming only in the last 1,000 years. This reveals a dynamic dance between wind patterns and sand accumulation, constantly reshaping these desert giants.

Understanding the age of star dunes not only sheds light on their history but also provides valuable clues about past climate conditions and wind patterns in the Sahara.