Others
Deserts Around the World and its Mysteries
Deserts hold secrets and mysteries that to date, have not yet been solved by modern science.
We live in a world full of mysteries. Although we can suggest logical explanations for these mysteries, as of the moment we will have to make do with mere theories and speculations until studies can prove and resolve these occurrences.
Deserts cover one fifth of our Earth’s terrain. Plants and animals thriving in deserts have successfully adapted to the harsh environmental conditions; in fact, some of the world’s deserts are among the Earth’s last remaining regions of total wilderness. Desert regions are also home to over one billion people, or one-sixth of the planet’s population.
Whether it is naturally made or man-made, there are a lot of things about deserts that we cannot fathom. So, let us now learn about our world’s famous deserts and its mysteries.
#10. Fairy Circles – Namibian Desert
About millions of uniformly-spaced circles can be found in Namibian desert. Interesting, huh? But wait, there’s more! The edge of the circles are lined with knee-high grass, yet the center is an empty clean space. Theories such as poisonous gas, sand termites, and alien invasion were believed to be the cause of these fairy circles. Yet, none of the theories have been proven right.
#9. Four Corner Gas – USA Southwest Region
Called the “methane hotspot”, this was discovered in 2003 when a satellite passed through the four corner regions of New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. A toxic cloud of greenhouse gas was seen above this area. What is more shocking is that, this phenomenon continued for six years then stopped suddenly. Researchers couldn’t explain where the high levels of methane gas came from.
#8. Unidentified Craftsman – Kenya Desert
Rocky artifacts of approximately 3.3 million years old were discovered in this desert. About 149 handmade stone tools were also found but according to several studies, human existence was not yet present during this era. So, who were these craftsmen? Was it from the outside world or another dimension? No one knows.
#7. Pisco Holes – Nazca Desert, Peru
This is creepier than you think! Near the discovery of Nazca lines are thousands of cone-shaped holes carved into the rocks. These are man-sized holes, believed to be some sort of vertical grave to bury the dead or store food during ancient times. However, no human remains or ancient tools were recovered in the site. So, what these Pisco holes are for then? The purpose of the holes remain a mystery up to this day.
#6. Bizarre Tombs – Valley of the Kings, Egypt
This is also mind-boggling! Were ancient pranksters trying to make tombs for nothing? One of the greatest discoveries in the Egyptian desert was a plain limestone chamber which contained seven coffins and 28 huge jars. The coffins did not contain any bodies at all yet were completely sealed and adorned with royal objects. Many speculated that these tombs were used to fool thieves and looters. There are also beliefs that these tombs came from an embalming studio or from Tutankhamun’s embalming.
(Continue reading next page…)
#5. Syrian Ruins – Syria’s Desert
Stone tools, rows, circles, wall decors, and rocky traps of about 6,000 to 10,000 years old were found in the Syrian Desert. It is presumed that these remains are even older than the Great Pyramid of Giza (4,500 years), the oldest pyramid ever discovered. It is also believed that these are remnants of a mysterious ancient civilization. But who are these ancient people then? Still, the riddle is yet to be solved.
#4. Atacama Nitrates – Chile’s Desert
Atacama is called “the place where no one exists,” due to its harsh climate conditions. Even the bacteria essential for nitrate and iodine deposit formation is not found there. However, this spot is also considered as the richest source of nitrate and iodine deposits. Amazing, right? This is a mineral mystery that has left researchers scratching their heads.
#3. Ancient Glass Anomalies – Sahara Desert
Scientists found inexplicable blocks of glass debris in Sahara Desert. Experts theorize that an event which created a sufficient amount of energy and heat must have occurred in ancient Egypt, resulting to the formation of these glass anomalies. In 1945, the first atomic experiment in New Mexico left a comparable fingerprint. Whatever incident made the glass had to be hotter than the atomic blast. Some believe that it may be a meteor strike or an ancient atomic bomb.
#2. Nabta Playa – Sahara Desert
Five rows of standing and fallen slabs, a circle of standing stones, and tombs were found in the Nabta Playa, Sahara Desert. It is considered to be the oldest astronomical alignment of megaliths made by unidentified stone age people. The builders of these mysterious formations were more advanced and believed to be one of the cultures that inspired Egypt’s dynasty.
#1. Spider Hieroglyphs – Egypt’s Western Desert
Believe it or not, ancient artists were already present even before the Egyptian civilization was established. Spider rock arts, considered to be the oldest art form ever discovered in Egypt, are believed to have existed in 4000 BC or even earlier. No one knows the significance of these hieroglyphs.
This list just enumerates some of the world’s mysteries and secrets but there are still more out there waiting to be discovered. Do you have something to share about our world’s deserts? Share it now and leave a comment below.