In the scorching Sahara Desert, a geological wonder stands tall: concentric ring-shaped rock formations, reminiscent of ancient fortresses built by long-lost civilizations. These natural structures, found in southeastern Libya, have captivated scientists and astronomers alike with their unique features and intriguing history.
The majestic Jabal Arkanū massif, situated near the Egypt-Libya border, is one of these striking formations. A series of overlapping rings, crafted from igneous basalt and granite, surround a central hub aligned towards the southwest. The structures were formed when magma rose to the surface, pouring into surrounding rocks, creating an intricate pattern that has stood the test of time.
As observed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station on September 13, 2025, these formations rise dramatically above the desert sands, their ridges stretching nearly 1,400 meters high. However, in one of the driest regions on Earth, water scarcity is a harsh reality, making the discovery of two wadis – typically dry riverbeds – all the more remarkable.
Researchers have long debated the origin of these structures, with some attributing their formation to meteorite impacts and others suggesting terrestrial geological processes. The debate has finally been settled by fieldwork that revealed the ring-shaped features were created by magma rising towards the surface, producing an elaborate series of overlapping rings.
Past research using NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data showed southeastern Libya receives little rainfall each year, around 1-5 millimeters annually. However, nearby regions experience slightly higher accumulations, suggesting a modest orographic effect from the mountains.
The stunning photograph, taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, showcases the massif casting long shadows across the desert landscape. The surrounding sand dunes stretch towards the bordering longitudinal ridges, forming outwash fans of boulders, gravel, and sand.
For scientists and space enthusiasts alike, this natural wonder is a testament to Earth's incredible geological history and the awe-inspiring beauty that lies just beyond our cities and towns.
The majestic Jabal Arkanū massif, situated near the Egypt-Libya border, is one of these striking formations. A series of overlapping rings, crafted from igneous basalt and granite, surround a central hub aligned towards the southwest. The structures were formed when magma rose to the surface, pouring into surrounding rocks, creating an intricate pattern that has stood the test of time.
As observed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station on September 13, 2025, these formations rise dramatically above the desert sands, their ridges stretching nearly 1,400 meters high. However, in one of the driest regions on Earth, water scarcity is a harsh reality, making the discovery of two wadis – typically dry riverbeds – all the more remarkable.
Researchers have long debated the origin of these structures, with some attributing their formation to meteorite impacts and others suggesting terrestrial geological processes. The debate has finally been settled by fieldwork that revealed the ring-shaped features were created by magma rising towards the surface, producing an elaborate series of overlapping rings.
Past research using NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data showed southeastern Libya receives little rainfall each year, around 1-5 millimeters annually. However, nearby regions experience slightly higher accumulations, suggesting a modest orographic effect from the mountains.
The stunning photograph, taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, showcases the massif casting long shadows across the desert landscape. The surrounding sand dunes stretch towards the bordering longitudinal ridges, forming outwash fans of boulders, gravel, and sand.
For scientists and space enthusiasts alike, this natural wonder is a testament to Earth's incredible geological history and the awe-inspiring beauty that lies just beyond our cities and towns.
OMG can u believe these ring-shaped formations in the Sahara Desert?! They're literally like ancient fortresses built by long-lost civilizations! I'm so fascinated by how they were formed by magma rising to the surface & pouring into surrounding rocks... it's like nature's own work of art 
. The fact that we get to see them from space is just mind-blowing 
. I need to watch more vids of these formations from space tho, I wanna see how they look in person! 
And what's with all the hype about this being some kinda ancient fortress built by lost civilizations? We already knew they were there, but now we just need to take a selfie in front of them and it's news 
. Astronauts on the ISS can even see 'em from up high... does that really require some fancy space tech? 
The Sahara Desert has always been a fascinating region, but it seems like we're discovering new wonders in it all the time 
. I mean, concentric ring-shaped rock formations are pretty much straight out of an Indiana Jones movie 
️. And can you believe these structures have been around for millions of years? It's crazy to think about how they've stood the test of time, with hardly any erosion or weathering to speak of.
. It's always great when science wins out over speculation.
. I mean, can you imagine living in a place where it rains only 1-5 millimeters annually? It's like the Sahara Desert is a different world altogether.
I'm glad scientists have finally figured out how they formed - it's all about the magma rising to the surface. And that photo taken by an astronaut? wow... it just goes to show we've got some amazing natural wonders on our planet 