7. The Desert’s Singing Dunes
The occurrence of “singing,” or “booming,” dunes is among the most odd events in the Namib Desert. These dunes generate a powerful, resonant humming sound under particular conditions that is audible miles away. When the wind moves sand particles down the slip face of the dune, this acoustic phenomena results from vibrations producing sound waves. Sand particle size and sand grain movement speed determine the sound frequency. One of the most unusual natural concerts in the desert, scientists have found that only some dunes with the proper sand composition and moisture content may create this enigmatic music.
8. The Fog Cascade Phenomenon
The fog cascade is a spectacular phenomena produced by the combination of the chilly Benguela Current with the scorching desert air. From the Atlantic Ocean, dense fog banks roll inland forming liquid-like rivers of mist between the dunes. Together with providing necessary moisture for arid life, this fog interacts with the terrain to provide amazing visual effects. Early morning is the most spectacular period for the phenomena when the temperature differential between the ocean and the desert is maximum and fog cascades can reach up to 60 kilometres inland.
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