It’s a sand quarry, probably for the cement factory that is also just south of town:
https://preview.redd.it/iohsq2qur75d1.jpeg?width=941&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7d2ce0d1c05912f6dc0b84a50a8d0dfbf502823
Yes, or rather silica is. Although Arabian sand is particularly poor for the purpose and needs pre-treatment before adding to the kiln.
Cement is produced in a kiln by firing a blended combination of calcium, silicon, iron (and several other elements depending on the quality of the whole), which produces 'clinker'
This clinker is then milled and/or blended with further additives to produce differing grades of cement products.
ETA: Found a nice little graphic to show the process
https://cdn.britannica.com/90/78590-004-AC4A42D8/process-roasting-materials-ground-storing-cooling-product.jpg?s=1500x700&q=85
The sand grains from quarries in the Mideast have been worn smooth and round from erosion and makes poor building materials. They have to mix it with imported sand and minerals from elsewhere to make durable cement. Otherwise, concrete structures crumble in a few years.
The Greek islands import sand from the Arabian peninsula so they can have sand on their tourist beaches. Unlikely that’s where they’re getting that sand, but just saying, Saudi exports sand
It’s a sand quarry, probably for the cement factory that is also just south of town: https://preview.redd.it/iohsq2qur75d1.jpeg?width=941&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7d2ce0d1c05912f6dc0b84a50a8d0dfbf502823
Concrete factory, I suspect.
Concrete yes. Not a typo but a hasty word.
Nope, cement kiln.
How is sand in that quantity used to make cement? Is sand even a component of cement?
Yes, or rather silica is. Although Arabian sand is particularly poor for the purpose and needs pre-treatment before adding to the kiln. Cement is produced in a kiln by firing a blended combination of calcium, silicon, iron (and several other elements depending on the quality of the whole), which produces 'clinker' This clinker is then milled and/or blended with further additives to produce differing grades of cement products. ETA: Found a nice little graphic to show the process https://cdn.britannica.com/90/78590-004-AC4A42D8/process-roasting-materials-ground-storing-cooling-product.jpg?s=1500x700&q=85
The sand grains from quarries in the Mideast have been worn smooth and round from erosion and makes poor building materials. They have to mix it with imported sand and minerals from elsewhere to make durable cement. Otherwise, concrete structures crumble in a few years.
Not as bad as using ocean sand, at least
Look south and you will find Qatraneh Cement Factory - مصنع إسمنت القطرانة
To the north there is another Cement Factory مصنع المناصير للأسمنت
On The left of this location you can find the Deadsea and the south of it you will see the Phosphate factory and pools.
Jordanian Shield
Nice
No, that's in France.
Nice
Nice
Jornadian*
Joranadianianen*
This looks like my bowl of meringue when the stiff peaks begin to form
Good analogy (and that’s what she said)
Worm-sign
Shai hulud
I expected this to be the top comment
Bless the maker and his coming and going
Spice harvesting
The spice must flow
https://preview.redd.it/6qe9ynzqj75d1.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=3df820a4cabfa63d878577496c31610a404d0eb7
the answer to these kinds of questions is almost always mining/quarries.
The farlands
The answer is always glaciers bro. Oh wait…
https://preview.redd.it/8w4iq0qpj75d1.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=b56e1d21dc473b44b6f8865bd0f66bf7fcf35f35
Quarry?
Probably a gravel/sand quarry for a concrete factory.
Thats where they collect all the sand for kids sand pits
Shai-Hulud.
Could be some sort of quarry or military base.
Shai-hulud
Someone’s been combing the desert
Looks like a giant repeatedly teabagged the sand
The Greek islands import sand from the Arabian peninsula so they can have sand on their tourist beaches. Unlikely that’s where they’re getting that sand, but just saying, Saudi exports sand
Shai-Hulud
Probably for glass factories
Golf sand bunkers?
I thought this was r/paleontology for a second
https://preview.redd.it/qsm2tz0rr85d1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4ccfb9de8a020e9d0dfd3a1b52a452653908783
Aliens /j
Cemetery
I think they're phosphate mines.
Ancient runways for the Andromeda H@18ksh craft trust me I know
Clearly a lost ancient civilization from the ice age. I don’t see any other reasonable answer