Al Wathba Fossil Dunes

Millions of years ago, when this area was covered by water, eroded sediments settled at the bottom of these water bodies. Over time, the fine-grained sand was covered by other layers of sediment. The layers became compacted and cemented together by different minerals into stable structures.

The formations got their shape from the interplay of wind strength and sediment supply. Despite consistent prevailing wind directions, dune patterns and alignments vary considerably from area to area. This allows geologists to better understand the history of the land-forms and rock formations.