Earth from Space - Image Description

STS056-154-074 Wahibah Sands, Oman April 1993
Wahibah Sands in eastern Oman is a small coastal sand desert that borders the Arabian Sea. The desert demonstrates the results of erosion and deposits caused by running water and wind in this region where the climate has undergone considerable changes. Most sand dunes in Wahibah Sands are north-south oriented, longitudinal dunes. Meandering streams form an extensive pattern as they spread south from the rugged Eastern Hajar Mountains in the north. The Hajars, with major peaks exceeding 7000 feet (2100 meters) above sea level, were formed by the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. Masirah Island is visible off the southeast coast of Oman.

This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Earth Science & Remote Sensing Unit, ARES Division, Exploration Integration Science Directorate.