Unexplained 'Fairy Circles' That Mysteriously Appear in Deserts Sighted All Over the World

In deserts all around the world, scientists have been able to discover new 'fairy circles' that are unknown thanks to AI.

More Unexplained 'Fairy Circles'

"Fairy circles" are round discs of barren dirt that can cover miles of ground and have the appearance of rows of polka dots. Scientists have been mystified by the phenomenon's enigmatic beginnings for decades, and they may be much more prevalent than previously believed.

Only the Namib Desert in Southern Africa and the outback of Western Australia had fairy circles been observed before. However, a recent study has found hundreds of additional spots in 15 different nations across three continents where vegetation patterns resembling fairy circles can be found. The global creation of fairy circles may now be better understood by scientists.

Searching the World with AI

In the latest survey, researchers analyzed high-resolution satellite data of arid ecosystems worldwide to identify fairy circle-like patterns using a neural network, an AI technology mimicking brain processes. Dr. Emilio Guirado, the lead author from the University of Alicante, called this the first large-scale AI-based approach for such detection.

The team initially tested the neural network with 15,000 satellite images from Namibia and Australia, half featuring fairy circles and half without. Subsequently, the AI analyzed nearly 575,000 plots of land, each about 2.5 acres in size, worldwide. It identified circular patterns akin to known fairy circles, evaluating their size, shape, location, density, and distribution. A human review was then necessary to exclude non-fairy circle structures based on photo interpretation and contextual information.

The findings revealed 263 dryland areas with circular patterns resembling fairy circles in Australia and Namibia. In addition to Madagascar, Western Asia, Central and Southwest Australia, and the Sahel, Western Sahara, and Horn of Africa, these arid regions were found all over Africa.

Standards That Define Fairy Circles

Fairy circles aren't the sole natural phenomena creating repeated round gaps in landscapes. Dr. Stephan Getzin, a researcher at the University of Göttingen, Germany, highlighted the unique feature of fairy circles: a highly ordered pattern among the circles, distinguishing them from other gaps in vegetation. Getzin's November 2021 paper defined fairy circles and their distinct characteristics, stressing their spatially periodic pattern, which surpasses other patterns.

However, the patterns in the latest study didn't meet this high standard. It's worth noting that there's no universally accepted definition of fairy circles, and the new study relied on guidelines from multiple prior research. Some identified locations align with Dr. Fiona Walsh's findings in the Australian outback, suggesting pattern congruence, but she wasn't part of the recent survey.

Mysterious Circles, Mysterious Origins

The study gathered environmental data at fairy circle locations, revealing they thrive in dry, sandy, alkaline, and low-nitrogen soils. These patterns also enhance ecosystem stability against floods and droughts.

However, the factors shaping fairy circles are complex and site-specific. Getzin proposed climate and plant self-organization for Namibian circles, with insect activity like termites not directly forming patterns.

In Australia, Walsh tied fairy circles to termites through research with indigenous communities. Termites are central to circles, known as "linyji" and "mingkirri" in native languages, with Aboriginal knowledge dating back decades or even millennia. In Australia, termites aren't just participants; they are the primary mechanism, highlighting termite-grass-soil-water dynamics.

Many fairy circle questions persist, but the authors hope their global atlas will ignite fresh exploration into these enigmatic phenomena, inspiring global scientists to solve evolving fairy circle mysteries. Guirado anticipates their paper will drive new research in fairy-circle formation.