• Key Information

  • Richat Structure

  • Type
    Eroded Geological Dome
  • Diameter
    25 miles
  • Other Names
    Eye of the Sahara, Tagense
  • Learning Point
  • The Richat Structure is a geological dome that has been eroded leaving concentric rings of rock types that create a shape that looks like an "eye" from space, and is often called the "Eye of the Sahara".
  • Project
  • Draw the Richat Structure.
  • Location
  • Located in
    Adrar Plateau, Mauritania
  • Fun Facts
  • The name "Richat" means "feather", and the local name "Tagense" refers to the circular opening of a leather pouch for water.
  • The structure is a geological dome, where the different layers of the dome have been eroded to the surface, making it look a bit like a bullseye.
  • A number of early human rock tools have been found in the area, but no evidence that humans lived there for long periods of time.
  • There is also evidence of massive water flow in across the area around the structure, perhaps occuring a few thousands years ago.