Nature has its own way of giving up some truly breathtaking views. The Al Naslaa Rock Formation is no exception to this. A truly marvelous creation, The Al Nasla Rock Formation is a giant rock that looks like it has been split in half.
The precision looks like that of a laser beam which made it quite a topic amongst people whether or not it was done by an ancient advanced civilization or just another gimmick by nature.
The two rocks, each 20 feet high, look as if they are perfectly levitating with each other. This is because, looking at them; you would think that they would lean into each other, considering the small distance between them.
While many argue about the actual way this natural phenomenon came into existence, most scientists believe that the Al Naslaa Rock formation is the byproduct of natural weathering conditions.
The Petroglyph of the Al Naslaa Rock Formation
Found in Saudia Arabia’s Tayma Oasis, the petroglyphs of the Al Nasla Rock Formation are a stunning visual. These petroglyphs are formed using carving tools by an ancient civilization, each depicting a story on its own.
From images of people to images of horses and ibexes, many illustrations are present on these rocks. They are different in nature from pictographs since these are not drawn but carved.
The actual age of these engravings is difficult to assess, but the estimated age of these petroglyphs seems to be around three to four thousand years old.
The formation of the Al Naslaa Rock Formation
There is quite a lot of debate on how the magnificent rock formation came into being. One such theory is that the boulder was exactly on top of a fault line between two tectonic plates. So when an earthquake came, the ground shaking may have caused the boulder to split in two from a point that might have been fragile.
The crack then would have made way for air to enter and create a small wind tunnel. The dusty wind may then have sanded the surface of the crack leaving behind a smoother surface for people to witness.
Another explanation that has been presented contrasts with the first. It talks about how the perceived fracture is a joint. This means that the crack appeared naturally without any movement whatsoever. The Al Naslaa Rock Formation then becomes the epitome of a vertical fracture separating the two rocks.
A unique hypothesis is that the fracture in the rocks was created by water. Yes, that’s right. Some geologists believe that there is a possibility that water entered a tiny crack in the rock and froze in extreme weather. When it melted and expanded, the water widened the fracture. The water evaporated later, leaving a perfect symmetrical divide between the two sandstone rocks.
The Al Naslaa rock formation, found in Saudi Arabia, is one of Earth’s greatest mysteries. Two boulders, six meters (20 feet) high, stand atop their own pedestals, separated by a perfectly smooth crack. #ngss #ngsschat #nsta pic.twitter.com/UVXcWxyYGE
— Phenomena (@NGSSphenomena) March 22, 2022
As for the pedestal-shaped bottoms, they are easily found in deserts where they’re more famously known as mushroom rocks. They get the name from the way the rock looks. They’re usually the result of harsh weather conditions.
The Al Naslaa Rock Formation: human creation?
Since the Al Naslaa Rock Formation is a sandstone, there is a possibility that it was created not just by nature. There is a case to be made for intervention by man.
The properties of the sandstone suggest that the rock could have been split in two by a civilization that developed cutting tools with the same precision that you get from a metal cutter. But the more important question arises then why?
One possibility that arises is that the rock might have been of religious importance, and the cutting itself had symbolic value. Another more simple possibility is that of a person in ancient times producing a work of art for others. Humans have been known to carve into nature self-expressions of themselves, so it could be just another artist finding their craft.
Where can I find the Al Naslaa Rock Formation?
You may find this natural magnificence in Saudi Arabia’s Tayma Oasis, close to the Al Knanafah Wildlife Sanctuary, if you want to venture out and visit this site to witness the enigma that is Al Naslaa Rock Formation.
If you find an even more compelling theory that explains the Al Naslaa Rock Formation, feel free to let us know.
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