The Simpson Desert is known for its vast red sand dunes, some of which can reach heights of up to 40 meters, making it the world’s largest parallel sand dune desert. The desert is named after Scottish explorer and geographer, Sir Thomas Simpson. Despite its harsh and arid conditions, the Simpson Desert supports a variety of plant and animal life, including some adapted species like the iconic red kangaroo.

The landscape of the Simpson Desert is characterized by vast expanses of sand dunes, which are its most prominent feature. These dunes stretch across the desert in parallel lines, creating a stunning and undulating landscape. Some of these dunes can reach impressive heights, with crests often adorned with sparse vegetation.

The characteristic red color of the Simpson Desert, like many other deserts around the world, is primarily due to the presence of iron oxide, also known as hematite, in the sand. Iron oxide gives the sand its reddish-brown hue. This mineral is a common component of many types of sand, and when it is exposed to air and moisture, it oxidizes, resulting in the reddish coloration.

Over millions of years, weathering processes, including erosion, wind, and water, have broken down rocks and minerals in the region, releasing iron oxide particles into the sand. These particles accumulate in the sand dunes, giving them their distinct reddish appearance.

Additionally, the arid climate of the desert plays a role in preserving the reddish coloration. With little rainfall and minimal vegetation cover, there is less opportunity for erosion to wash away the iron oxide from the sand, allowing the reddish color to remain prominent.

According to the Internet