Today, the rocks are in the process of being reduced to sand, but make for an interesting geological study.

All of the deserts of the world are different, but have sand, sun, dust, and wind in common. They are often the product of the environments that border them, and prevent rainfall or moisture from reaching them. Geologic studies reveal that these deserts were very different places as recently as 5,000 years ago. The periods of Earth's evolution are recorded in the rock sediments, and can be identified from satellite images. As the Earth evolved, and mountain ranges rose from the depths of the Earth, pushed forward by shifting plates and separating continents, it impacted the conditions of what eventually became desert regions on Earth.

The deserts are hostile environments for mankind, but they are not without life. Insects, and even elephants and lions can be found in some of the...
[ View Full Essay]