Earth's Richat Structure
Explanation:
What on Earth is that? The
Richat Structure in the
Sahara Desert of
Mauritania
is easily visible from space
because it is nearly 50 kilometers across.
Once thought to be an
impact crater, the
Richat Structure's flat middle and lack of
shock-altered rock indicates otherwise.
The possibility that the
Richat Structure
was formed by a
volcanic eruption
also seems improbable because of the lack of a dome of
igneous or volcanic rock.
Rather, the layered sedimentary rock of the
Richat structure is now thought by many to have
been caused by uplifted rock sculpted by erosion.
Why the
Richat Structure is nearly circular remains a mystery.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
