Weird Places: Mauritania's Eye of the Sahara

The Eye of the Sahara, also known as the Reshot Structure, is a geological marvel in Mauritania. Visible from space, it was initially thought to be a crater but is actually a deeply eroded geologic dome. Formed over 100 million years ago due to tectonic activity, the dome's concentric circles are a result of erosion of different rock types. The oldest rocks are at the center, with younger rocks forming the outer layers. The structure's unique landscape is due to varying erosion rates of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.

What is the best way to view the Eye of the Sahara?

• From a helicopter

• From space

• From a nearby mountain

• From the ground

What was the initial theory about the formation of the Richat Structure?

• It was formed by erosion

• It was a result of tectonic plate movement

• It was created by a volcanic eruption

• It was formed by a meteor impact

How did the Richat Structure form over 100 million years ago?

• By the weakening of the Earth's lithosphere

• By volcanic activity

• By erosion

• By a meteor impact

What is an anticline in geological terms?

• A fold of rock sticking up from its surroundings

• A deep ocean trench

• A type of sedimentary rock

• A type of volcanic eruption

Why do the different layers of the Richat Structure erode at different rates?

• Because of human interference

• Due to frequent earthquakes

• Because of constant volcanic activity

• Due to varying rock hardness