Researchers date 13,000-year-old Moroccan star dune

Researchers have successfully determined the date of a star dune in the Moroccan desert, revealing the history of these unique wind-sculpted formations. 

The Dune, named Lalla Laalia, is located in the Erg Chebbi oasis of the Merzouga Desert. Using a technique called luminescence dating, scientists from Aberystwyth University and Birkbeck University have determined it to be approximately 13,000 years old.

Star dunes, also known as pyramid dunes, can reach heights of hundreds of meters and are found in Africa, Asia, North America, and even on Mars. 

However, experts have previously been unable to determine when these dunes formed.

Luminescence dating analyzes the energy stored within the mineral grains of sand. The longer these grains are buried, the more energy they accumulate from natural radioactivity. 

By measuring this energy in a controlled laboratory setting, scientists can calculate the last time the grains were exposed to sunlight, revealing the age of the sediment.

“Understanding the age of star dunes helps us understand the wind patterns and climate conditions present when they formed,” explains Professor Jeff Duller of Aberystwyth University. 

The study’s findings suggest that Lalla Laalia underwent a period of rapid expansion over several thousand years following its initial formation. 

The research team believes this newfound ability to date star dunes could prove valuable in piecing together the history of deserts, which often lack a clear geological record. 

Traditionally, studying the geological layers allows scientists to understand a desert’s past. However, star dunes, due to their immense size, can be misinterpreted as multiple smaller dunes, making traditional methods less effective.

With this new dating technique, researchers can gain a clearer picture of the factors that shaped these impressive desert features. The discovery also highlights the dynamic nature of deserts, where landscapes can be sculpted and reshaped over vast timescales. The findings were published in a recent scientific journal.