📷 Dunes of Morocco
From a distance, the Erg Chigaga dunes of southern Morocco appear smooth and continuous, but up close, you see patterns made by shadows, footprints, and the wind. It’s a reminder that the desert is constantly being formed and reformed. This landscape can’t be rushed, and is best understood over time time.
Different textures of sand and gravel stretch across the desert near Erg Chigaga.
Closer view of the rounded dune formations near Erg Chigaga.
A line of riders crosses the dunes under a clear blue sky near Erg Chigaga.
Shadows of camel riders stretch across a dune near Erg Chigaga.
The ridge of a dune stands out against the sand near Erg Chigaga.- People stand along the crest of small dunes near Erg Chigaga in southern Morocco.
- A ridgeline snakes toward a pointed dune peak near Erg Chigaga.
- A child and adult walk up a dune at sunset near Erg Chigaga.
Wind from different directions shapes the surface of a dune near Erg Chigaga.
Naturalist’s Notebook
Notice
Set a timer and watch how shadows move across the sand over ten minutes.
FEEL
Press your hand a few inches into the sand. How does the temperature change?
RECORD
Draw the outline of one dune instead of photographing it.
