Saudi Arabia discovers 56-million-year-old fossils of marine creatures
Ancient Marine Fossils Discovered in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has made an incredible discovery! Fossils of marine animals that lived 56 million years ago have been found in the Ras Al-Ru’us sedimentary formation in the Kingdom’s northern border region. These ancient remains, dating back to the early Eocene period, include bony fish like extinct catfish. This finding is not just exciting but also important for learning about Earth’s distant past and Saudi Arabia’s unique geological history.
Why This Discovery Matters
This discovery is a big deal for scientists and researchers. Tariq Aba Al Khail, spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), called it a groundbreaking moment, as it’s the first time vertebrate fossils from this time period have been found in the Kingdom.
The fossils, preserved in limestone, show us what marine life was like millions of years ago. The extinct catfish, also known as silurians, were crucial to their ecosystems during the early Eocene. Studying these fossils helps scientists understand the environment of that time—how it looked, felt, and functioned.
This find also adds to Saudi Arabia’s growing list of fossil discoveries. For example:
- Mammal fossils were found in the Nefud desert.
- Whale fossils dating back 37 million years were uncovered in Al-Qurayyat.
Each discovery pieces together the puzzle of the Earth’s history, giving us a clearer picture of how life evolved over millions of years.
Future Plans: A Geological Museum
Saudi Arabia isn’t stopping here! The SGS is teaming up with the Ministry of Tourism to build a geological museum. This museum will display these newly found fossils and many other geological treasures from the Kingdom.
The museum will:
- Teach people about Saudi Arabia’s rich geological history.
- Provide resources for students, scientists, and the public.
- Showcase ancient fossils and other natural artifacts.
This initiative aims to educate and inspire visitors, both from Saudi Arabia and around the world.
Ongoing Research and Discoveries
The SGS is also working hard to uncover even more ancient secrets buried beneath Saudi Arabia’s land. Scientists are exploring different regions, hoping to find more fossils and learn about the Earth’s ecosystems from millions of years ago.
These discoveries aren’t just about the past—they also spark curiosity and excitement for the future. Every new fossil helps tell the story of life on Earth, teaching us how different species adapted and thrived in their environments.
