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Devon and Cornwall RNLI lifeguards in 'extremely busy' two weeks
//business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. rnli-lifeguards-in-extremely-busy-two-weeks.html
Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 3:38 GMT by BBC🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The RNLI issues a warning about spring tides and rip tides following "a lot" of call outs.
Ancient Humans Sheltered in Vast Lava Tube in Saudi Arabian Desert, Evidence Suggests
In the arid expanses of northern Saudi Arabia, within the volcanic landscape of the Harrat Khaybar field, archaeologists have uncovered compelling evidence that ancient humans repeatedly sought refuge in a massive underground lava tube known as Umm Jirsan. This subterranean structure, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers in length and reaching widths of up to 12 meters with heights of 8 meters in places, served as a vital shelter for nomadic herders and their livestock over thousands of years. The discovery highlights how early human populations adapted to harsh desert environments by utilizing natural geological features for protection from the elements, offering new insights into prehistoric life in the Arabian Peninsula.
The findings, detailed in a study published in the journal PLOS One, stem from excavations led by a team of researchers from Australia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. The team, part of the broader Palaeodeserts Project aimed at exploring the human history of the region's deserts, ventured into Umm Jirsan, one of the longest lava tubes in Arabia. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the tube's dark, winding passages provided a cool, stable environment amid the scorching surface temperatures and relentless winds of the desert. Unlike open-air sites that are often eroded or disturbed, this underground haven preserved a rich archaeological record, including animal bones, stone artifacts, and even prehistoric rock art.
Evidence of human activity in Umm Jirsan dates back at least 7,000 years, with some indications suggesting use as far back as 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. Radiocarbon dating of bone fragments and other organic materials revealed that the site was not a permanent settlement but rather a temporary waypoint. Nomadic groups, likely herders of sheep, goats, and cattle, would have stopped here during seasonal migrations, using the tube for shelter while their animals grazed on sparse vegetation nearby. The presence of domesticated animal remains, such as those from sheep and goats, points to a pastoralist lifestyle, where people moved across the landscape in search of water and forage.
Among the most striking discoveries are thousands of animal bones scattered throughout the tube, many showing signs of butchery and cooking. These include remains of gazelles, hares, and even ostriches, suggesting that the inhabitants hunted local wildlife to supplement their diets. Stone tools, including grinding stones and scrapers made from local volcanic rock, were also found, indicating on-site food preparation and possibly hide processing. The tools' simplicity reflects a mobile way of life, where portability was key.
Adding to the site's intrigue are panels of rock art etched into the tube's walls. These engravings depict human figures, animals, and geometric patterns, some of which resemble those found at other Neolithic sites in the region. Experts interpret these as cultural expressions, perhaps marking territorial claims or recording stories of daily life. One particularly evocative panel shows stylized human forms alongside what appear to be domesticated animals, underscoring the close relationship between people and their herds.
The lava tube's environment played a crucial role in its appeal. While the surrounding desert is notoriously dry, with extreme temperature fluctuations, the underground space maintained a more temperate climate, shielding occupants from sandstorms and intense sunlight. Traces of hearths and charred bones indicate that fires were lit inside for warmth, light, and cooking, with smoke likely venting through natural openings. Isotopic analysis of the animal bones further reveals dietary patterns: the animals consumed plants adapted to arid conditions, and there are hints that humans may have transported water or accessed nearby oases to sustain longer stays.
This discovery challenges previous assumptions about prehistoric habitation in Arabia, a region often overlooked in favor of more fertile areas like the Levant or Mesopotamia. Traditionally, archaeologists focused on surface sites, but Umm Jirsan demonstrates the importance of subterranean features in human survival strategies. In arid zones, where water sources are scarce and mobility is essential, such natural shelters could have been lifelines, enabling groups to traverse vast distances without constant exposure to the elements. The site's repeated use over millennia suggests it was a known landmark in the cultural memory of these populations, passed down through generations.
Comparisons with similar sites elsewhere provide broader context. Lava tubes and caves have been used by humans worldwide, from the Canary Islands to Hawaii, but Umm Jirsan's scale and preservation make it unique in the Arabian context. It echoes findings in other Middle Eastern caves, like those in Jordan or Israel, where early humans left behind tools and art, but here the volcanic origin adds a distinctive geological twist. Researchers note that the tube's formation dates to volcanic eruptions around 3 million years ago, long before human arrival, yet it became integrated into human landscapes much later.
The implications extend to understanding climate change's impact on ancient societies. During the Holocene period, when Umm Jirsan was occupied, the Arabian Peninsula experienced wetter phases, allowing for more vegetation and human expansion. However, as conditions dried, adaptations like using lava tubes became critical. This resilience mirrors how modern nomadic groups in the region, such as Bedouins, still utilize caves for shelter, suggesting continuity in desert survival tactics.
Ongoing research at Umm Jirsan and nearby lava fields aims to uncover more details. The team plans further excavations to search for human remains, which could provide DNA evidence and clarify the ethnic or genetic backgrounds of these ancient inhabitants. Environmental reconstructions, using pollen analysis from sediments, may reveal how the local ecosystem evolved and influenced human behavior. Such studies could also inform contemporary issues, like how communities in arid regions might adapt to escalating climate challenges.
In essence, Umm Jirsan stands as a testament to human ingenuity in one of the world's most unforgiving environments. Far from being empty wastelands, Arabia's deserts were crisscrossed by resourceful people who harnessed natural features like lava tubes to thrive. This underground archive not only enriches our knowledge of prehistoric Arabia but also underscores the deep connections between geology, climate, and human history, reminding us that even in the depths of a volcano's legacy, echoes of ancient lives persist. (Word count: 928)
Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62wlxgd4ezo ]