Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Erg

Waves of Sand Dunes, near Al Ain, UAE  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view) 


 Like a storm tossed sea, tall waves of sand dunes pitch into the distance outside the city of Al Ain. This picture is a hint of what the Empty Quarter of the Arabian Desert must look like. The Rub' al Kahli extends from the UAE into Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen, and is the largest sand desert in the world. 

 This image was taken from camelback while passing through the desert near sundown. Taking pictures from a moving camel is a bit like being on a storm tossed sea... a constant rocking up and down motion. 

 Erg is a geological term derived from the Arabic erq, 
meaning "a vast desert landscape".

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20 comments:

  1. Cezar and LéiaMay 11, 2013 at 1:39 AM

    Magnificent composition with lovely feeling of texture ( I imagine it's because of the wind ). I image you and Becky riding a camel, I'm always curious about this huge adorable animal!Did you take pictures of the camel? :D
    hugs
    Léia

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  2. FocalesMay 11, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    Love curves of this red dune. I love all photo of desert

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  3. UnknownMay 11, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    Atemberaubend und wunderschön!

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  4. AnonymousMay 11, 2013 at 7:48 AM

    Very iconic image.

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  5. BirdmanMay 11, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    That IS an erg!
    Thanks for the vocabulary lesson today.

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  6. Andrew Graeme GouldMay 11, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    Remarkably perfect for a shot taken from a moving camel, Doug! A beautiful composition. Love the lines and shadows.

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  7. Photo AttractionMay 11, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    One can feel the texture of the sand...
    Great timing, with just the right amount of shadow.

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  8. FriedaMay 11, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    Very impressive (especially considering the fact that it was taken while riding a camel!)

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  9. Monica S EngellMay 11, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Fantastic shot! (wow...from the top of the camel?!!)
    Beautiful composition and light/shadows!
    :)

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  10. ArndMay 11, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    This looks like a Martian landscape – reddish, dry, inhospitable and forbidding. At the same time it is very beautiful and alluring.
    To see this in person must be breath-taking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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  11. yzMay 11, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    amazing

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  12. roland TheysMay 11, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    Great colors! bravos!

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  13. dukeMay 12, 2013 at 4:31 AM

    C'est une très bonne photo !

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  14. georgeMay 12, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Wonderfuil location...was it a case of camera in one hand - sickbag in the other!

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  15. JoeMay 13, 2013 at 3:26 AM

    Sensational Doug. How you managed to get such clarity from the back of a camel I will never know.

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  16. ΠΡΩΤΗ ΕΙΔΗΣΗ 1May 13, 2013 at 3:45 AM

    We have been crazy with the photos you!
    Good morning good week from Thessaloniki-Greece
    Paul

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  17. London CallerMay 13, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    What? Your dromedary did not come with a hand brake?
    Try my yak next time. "o)

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  18. franzMay 14, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    ask any child to draw a picture of a desert, and most will come up with this ... sand dunes as far as the horizon! and this is really the epitome of a desert ... like a slowly moving sea of sand !!!

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  19. RemusJune 1, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    Just seeing the picture, it seems I felt the heat of the desert.
    Amazing place.

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  20. dom lorthaJune 2, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    A sea of sand, with huge waves! Fantastic!
    Have a nice day.

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