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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.
About the author
Professor Michael Stephenson is a palaeontologist and writer. His books cover topics such as energy and climate change, shale gas and carbon sequestration. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in international scientific journals and is an expert on fossil spores and pollen from the Permian period in Arabia.
