Ancient Star Dune in Sahara Dated to 13,000 Years Old, Reveals Rapid Formation

Researchers using new technology have solved the mystery of star dunes' absence in the geological record, dating the Lala Lallia dune in Morocco to 13,000 years ago.

The Lala Lallia star dune in southeastern Morocco, one of Earth's oldest, was formed 13,000 years ago, coinciding with the Younger Dryas cooling event.
Star dunes, resembling stars from above, are the tallest dunes on Earth but have been rarely found in the geological record.
Ground penetrating radar and luminescence dating techniques were used to uncover the dune's age and internal structure.
The dune has been moving west at a speed of about 1.6 feet per year due to wind patterns.
The discovery could help geologists identify similar structures in the rock record and understand Earth's climatological history.