In a stunning discovery, ancient rocks in Arabia reveal the region’s forgotten past as a lush oasis, sparking new theories about early human migration and climate change.
A Green Arabia: Uncovering the Region’s Wet Past
For over 8 million years, Arabia has experienced long periods of greenness and humidity. ‘Ancient rocks reveal that the region was once a lush oasis, providing a potential route for early hominins to migrate out of Africa.’
Arabia, a region that encompasses modern-day Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
The Arabian Peninsula was an important center for trade and commerce in the Middle Ages, with cities like Mecca and Medina playing significant roles in Islamic history.
Today, Arabia is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and natural wonders like the sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali desert.
The Desert’s On-Off Cycle
The deserts in Arabia have been turning on and off through time, with periods of high rainfall and humidity followed by prolonged dry spells. ‘This cyclical pattern has allowed animals from Africa to inhabit the region, including hippos, which are now found in the Al-Ahsa oasis.’
A Route for Early Humans?
Michael Petraglia, a researcher at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, suggests that if hippos can adapt to the desert climate, why not early human relatives? ‘This idea is supported by the presence of ancient stalagmites, which provide valuable insights into the region’s past climate and ecosystem.’
The discovery of these stalagmites has helped scientists understand how life on Earth has evolved over time. By studying the unique formations created by mineral deposits, researchers can reconstruct the environment and conditions that existed in the past. In this case, the ancient rocks reveal a history of wet periods, which could have provided early hominins with a route out of Africa.
Stalactites, also known as stalagmites when they form on the ground, are cone-shaped rock formations created through the accumulation of calcium carbonate deposits.
They typically form in caves, particularly limestone caves, where water drips from the ceiling and leaves behind a layer of minerals.
Over time, these deposits grow into distinctive shapes, often resembling icicles or teardrops.
Stalactites can be up to several meters long and may take thousands of years to develop.
While the exact timing and circumstances of human migration are still unclear, the presence of these ancient stalagmites provides a fascinating glimpse into Arabia’s past. As researchers continue to study the region’s geology, they may uncover more secrets about the evolution of our species and the impact of climate change on human history.
- newscientist.com | Arabia has been green for long spells in the past 8 million years
