Chapter 1
The driest and hottest extremes
Chapter 2
Cold deserts and polar plains
Chapter 3
Bizarre survival and desert life
Chapter 4
Mysteries and landmarks of the sands
YOUR GOAL
Master of Secrets of the world's deserts
Ch 4 · Mysteries and landmarks of the sands
schopenhauer Fairy Circles of the Namib
Thirsty grass in the Namib sand, drawing perfect circles to divide the dry land.
schopenhauer Millions of circular, plant-free patches called fairy circles dot the Namib Desert, puzzling scientists for decades.
schopenhauer Under specific wind and moisture conditions, about 35 deserts worldwide feature dunes that "sing" or hum loudly.
BETA
schopenhauer Match desert landmarks to their locations to discover the secrets of the world's major dunes.
Fun Fact
Singing dunes frequency: The hum of singing sand dunes can last for several minutes and can sound like a low-flying airplane.
Glossary
geoglyph (noun)
A large design or motif produced on the ground and typically formed by rocks or durable landscape elements. Peru's Nazca Desert contains the Hummingbird, a massive prehistoric geoglyph etched into the arid ground.
A large design or motif produced on the ground and typically formed by rocks or durable landscape elements. Peru's Nazca Desert contains the Hummingbird, a massive prehistoric geoglyph etched into the arid ground.
Quiz
How loud can the acoustic hum of a singing sand dune get under ideal conditions?
Quiz
What physical action generates the loud, low-frequency humming noise of "singing" sand dunes?
Quiz
In which desert is the famous 11-meter-tall "Mano del Desierto" (Hand of the Desert) sculpture located?
Quiz
What are the mysterious, grass-free circular patches in the Namib Desert called?
Quiz
What is the scientific name for the massive circular rock formation known as the Eye of the Sahara?