Landsat 9 Image of Aorounga Crater

The Aorounga Crater located in Chad, Africa is a large impact crater that appears as a circular depression surrounded by a raised rim, as seen in this Landsat 9 image. The crater is surrounded by a vast expanse of desert and is known for its unique rock ridges, known as yardangs. The yardangs are characterized by their elongated, streamlined shape sculpted by the prevalent winds that blow from the northeast to southwest. They can reach heights of up to 30 meters and extend several kilometers in length.

This Landsat 9 image was acquired on July 29, 2022, from Path 182 Row 47 and is shown as a natural color composite using the red, blue, and green bands (Bands 4|3|2).

Learn more about the Landsat program at www.usgs.gov/landsat