Time slips away like sand grains in the wind

The dunes in Qalay-i-Zal in northern Afghanistan are part of an extensive loess desert characterised by its light-coloured, fine deposits. The loess transported by the wind forms gentle dunes here, which rise above the dry plain and transform the landscape into an undulating relief. These dunes are not only a characteristic feature of the region, but also an expression of the climatic conditions: strong winds, sparse vegetation and extreme aridity. Despite the hostile environment, the dunes serve as a habitat for specialised plants and animals that have adapted to the barren landscape and continue to shape the appearance of the Qalay-i-Zal district to this day. | Afghanistan