Earth observations taken from shuttle orbiter Discovery STS-70 mission

STS070-705-094 (13-22 JULY 1995) --- The southern half (about 70 miles in this view) of the Tifernine dunes of east-central Algeria appears on this view. The Tifernine dune-sea is one of the more dramatic features visible from the Shuttle when flying over the Sahara Desert. The dunes lie in a basin of dark-colored rocks heavily cut by winding stream courses (top right). Very occasional storms allow the streams to erode the dark rocks and transport the sediment to the basin. Westerly winds then mold the stream sediments into the complex dune shapes so well displayed here. North at bottom.