Star dune: Scientists solve mystery behind Earth’s largest desert sands

Star dunes – or pyramid dunes – are named after their distinctive shapes and reach hundreds of metres in height.

• Georgina Rannard
• BBC

They are found in Africa, Asia and North America, as well as on Mars – but experts had never before been able to put a date on when they were formed.

Now scientists have discovered that a dune called Lala Lallia in Morocco formed 13,000 years ago.

Star dunes are created by opposing winds that change direction. Understanding their age helps scientists understands those winds and…