Fossils of Arabia

Fossils of Arabia explores how Arabian
palaeontology has contributed to our understanding of
the story of life, from its earliest beginnings to the rich
biodiversity of today. Arabia is one of the hottest and
driest regions in the world, but it has not always been
this way. Through the depths of geological history -
of 'deep time' - its climate has oscillated between wet
and dry, and hot and cold periods. The peninsula has
witnessed the origins of life, evidence of prehistoric
land plants and dinosaurs, and has recently played a role
in some of the earliest recorded human activity.
This groundbreaking work reveals the significance of
Arabian fossils in understanding the development of
life. It also reveals how large parts of Arabia, particularly
surface outcrops, remain largely unexplored and hold
untapped potential for fossil discoveries. New evidence now awaits exploration,
ranging from the half-a-billion-year-old fossil-bearing rocks to geologically young
Pleistocene lake deposits in the deserts of Arabia.

Fossils of Arabia illustrates how the next generation of scientists will
employ advanced techniques, such as satellite and X-ray imaging, to uncover these
fossils. These technologies will help answer key questions about the development
of past life and climate, helping us to plan for a more sustainable future.