Ténéré, Niger

The Ténéré region in north-eastern Niger is one of the hottest and driest regions in the Sahara desert, with average maximum temperatures above 40°C between May and September and average annual precipitation 20 – 25 mm. Due to the persistent high-pressure area that causes descending and drying air, the region is one of the sunniest on Earth, with the annual sunshine duration around 4,000 hours.

The region’s geography largely consists of planes with sand dunes (ergs) that are oriented perpendicular to the persistent north-easterly wind (Harmattan). The area also contains some oasis settlements, such as the city of Bilma. The 100 m image of 6 March 2016 shows the extensive sand dunes as yellow areas in the upper image part, with the sand and dust being transported towards the southwest, visible as faint feather-like structures.