Unearthing the Past: Lava Tubes and Their Role in Human History
Recently, archaeologists studying a lava tube in the desert of northwestern Saudi Arabia made a discovery that has similarities to the present day. Bones dating back over 7,000 years were found at the mouths of the lava tubes, highlighting their historical significance. Lava tubes are formed during volcanic eruptions and can extend for kilometers underground, providing protection from harsh environmental conditions such as heat radiation in deserts.
A group of Australian archaeologists investigated a 1.5-kilometer long lava tube known as Umm Jirsan, located beneath a basaltic plateau in Harrat Khaybar. Within the tube, they found animal bones, stone tools, and pottery dating back thousands of years. The discovery of petroglyphs depicting domestic animals in the lava tube helps researchers understand the region’s ancient history and how people interacted with their environment.
The study of lava tubes in Saudi Arabia sheds light on a prehistoric landscape that was once lush and attracted people and animals from other regions. Despite the challenges of the desert’s harsh climate, these natural formations have provided shelter and resources for both ancient nomads and modern astronauts, demonstrating their enduring significance throughout history. In fact, astronauts are now considering living in lava tubes on the moon for protection from cosmic radiation. One advantage of living in a lava tube is protection from harsh environmental conditions such as heat radiation in deserts.
