Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7 a
Lithic log, fossil content and depositional environments of the
Madbi Formaion in Riyam section (After Al-Ammari
2011
).
b
Lithic
log,
fossil content and depositional environments of
the Madbi
Formaion in Al-Nadef section (After Al-Ammari
2011
)
175 m consisting of 102 footprints and contains the largest
footprint in the region (82 cm length and 80 cm width)
(Figs.
13
and
14
). This geosite, used as a road for vehicles,
chariots and people, is very vulnerable and is subject to
degradation. According to Marty et al. (
2004
), the trackway
in this geosite will be the fourth longest trackway and the
second in Sauropod footprint number in the world.
statuettes and inscriptions. Al-Hamadani (
1981
) described in
his famous book
many archeological sites in
these three villages which relate to Pre-Islamic and Islamic
periods. Bafakih et al. (
1985
) provided a detailed description
supported by photographs of many archeological artifacts
that were dated back to the covenants of the Sheba and
Hemiar Kingdoms. Many of the relics have been stolen or
broken and the remains need to be explored by the relevant
government bodies. There are many of these monuments,
artifacts and inscriptions in foreign museums.
“
Al
-
Ekleel
”
4
Archaeology of the Region
The proposed geopark area consists of many archaeological
sites such as the Madar, Riyam and Itwah villages. Many of
them are still in a good state of preservation and, although as
such, they are scavenged for building stones. During our
visits to the area, we noticed that there are many archaeo-
logical artifacts in the houses of the local populations such as
5
Risks and Protection Status
Fossil occurrences across the world are endangered by
development, construction, collecting, and vandalism, even
though many outstanding examples have been protected as
