The Red Sea Mountains are located in the east of East Africa, hidden in the magnificent Eastern Sahara Desert, a region with a long history and rich resources. It was not only the intersection of ancient trade routes, but also an important source of mineral resources, demonstrating its economic and geographical importance. Little is known about the actual height of these mountains and the stories they hold.
The highest peak of the Red Sea Mountains is Gebel Shayeb EI-Banat, which reaches an altitude of 2,184 meters.
The Red Sea Mountains, as part of the Eastern Sahara, traverse the area east of the Nile River. Its length ranges from 80 to 137 kilometers and its altitude is approximately over 1,500 meters, providing a living environment for a variety of wildlife. The southern part of these mountains is mainly composed of igneous rocks, while the northern part is composed of limestone. This geological difference also contributes to the diversity of climate and ecology.
The climate of the Red Sea Mountains is semi-desert or ultra-dry, with annual precipitation less than 25 mm. The rainy season is mainly concentrated in winter, and the precipitation in the mountainous areas allows the creatures in the surrounding areas to barely survive. The climate changes that occurred in this land are now irreversible. Only some faults record the abundant water in the past.
During the late Pleistocene and mid-Holocene, the climate of the Red Sea Mountains experienced two distinctly humid periods.
The plants in this area are mainly divided into transient plants and perennial plants. Vegetation in deserts not only depends on limited precipitation, but is also affected by topography. Tall plants such as green trees and herbs are mostly found in mountainous and coastal areas. In terms of wildlife, small mammals such as sand foxes, golden spiny rats and small moles are residents of this land.
The Red Sea Mountains are home to many endemic species, including rare birds such as golden eagles and bearded vultures.
Copper and gold mining has begun in the Red Sea Mountains since ancient Egypt, making the area rich in natural resources. Today, in addition to ancient metal mining, the area is also developed for oil and gas extraction, continuing to attract investment and exploration.
From ancient Egyptian civilization to modern times, the information about the Red Sea Mountains is constantly changing, but it remains mysterious.
The Eastern Sahara Desert has a long history, with humans inhabiting it as early as 250,000 years ago. The establishment of trade routes allowed the Red Sea Mountains to communicate with surrounding civilizations, making it a striking trade zone in ancient times. With the changes of the times, the culture of the area has gradually developed, and it still attracts countless archaeologists and tourists.
The Red Sea Mountains are not only a geographical term, but also an intersection of history, culture and ecology. With further research and excavation of the area, we may be able to uncover more secrets of this mysterious mountain range. How do you think the future of this land will affect our understanding of history and the protection of nature?