Three Massifs, Sahara Desert
Three large rock massifs appear to be pushing up from beneath red sand dunes in this 2000 Terra image. The Tassili n’Ajjer massif is on the left, the Tadrart Acacus is in the middle, and the Tadrart Amsak is on the right. The image includes the southern part of the border between Algeria and Libya, and different rock types account for varying colors. The Tadrart Acacus massif contains some unique scenery and natural wonders, including colored sand dunes and isolated towers that eroded into bizarre shapes and petrified arches.
The dendritic structures of ancient riverbeds are visible in the Acacus-Amsak region. This area is believed to have been wet during the last glacial era, covered by forests and populated by wild animals. Archaeologists have found indications of animal domestication and large numbers of rock paintings and engravings, faint tracks of ancient civilizations. Extremely dry weather conditions today help to preserve their masterpieces.