Revisiting our roots: How ancient lava tubes provided shelter for nomads in Saudi Arabia and could do the same for astronauts on the moon

Saudi Arabian desert caves provide shelter for nomads even today, as archaeologists have discovered signs of life in lava tubes. These caves, created by lava flow, bear similarities to those used by our ancestors for shelter. In the 2030s, both the US and China are set to complete their own bases on the moon, with lava tubes on the moon’s mountains being considered as potential living spaces for astronauts due to their protection from cosmic radiation and more manageable temperatures.

The Australian archaeologists who studied the Umm Jirsan lava tube in northwestern Saudi Arabia found animal bones, stone tools, pottery and petroglyphs dating back 7,000-10,000 years. This discovery sheds light on a time when the region was not always a dry desert but had lakes and lush vegetation that attracted people and animals from Africa. Despite the harsh desert climate, the lava tube remains cooler and protective, serving as a source of shade and water for farmers and shepherds in the area. By studying the artifacts found in this lava tube, researchers aim to piece together the history of human occupation in the region and how humans interacted with their environment over thousands of years.