An international group of scientists conducted a study of the mineral composition of cave formations on the Arabian Peninsula and concluded that over the past 8 million years, the climate in the region has repeatedly changed, becoming more humid. During these periods, water bodies were formed and forests grew.
Paleontological findings - fossilized remains of crocodiles and hippopotamuses, whose life is inextricably linked to water - also support the scientists' conclusion. According to the researchers, “green” Arabia served as an important corridor for the migration of various species of mammals between the African and Eurasian continents. The results of the work are published in the scientific publication Nature.
These days, the Arabian Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, separating the fauna of Africa and Eurasia. Previous work has shown that the arid climate was established here at least 11 million years ago. However, fossil finds from the Pleistocene (2.5 million to 11,700 years ago) suggest that Arabia was once home to moisture-loving animals.
To study the climatic conditions of Arabia during the Pleistocene era, scientists analyzed speleothems - mineral deposits in caves, such as stalactites and stalagmites.
It turned out that over the past 8 million years, the region had periodic periods of high humidity accompanied by the appearance of rivers and lakes. These “green” phases were long enough to allow the migration of mammals between Africa and Eurasia. Fossils of crocodiles, hippos and other large mammals found in the desert are evidence of this.
As glaciation intensified in the Northern Hemisphere, wet periods became shorter and more infrequent. The weakening of the monsoon led to a gradual drying of the region.
The results of the study provide new insights into the role of Arabia in mammalian and hominid migrations in the Pleistocene.
Earlier, scientists recorded unexplained earth tremors in different parts of the planet.
Author: Наталья Чудесатова
