Name: Sandialen A.

Kanda III

The Al-Naslaa rock's near-perfect split

Multiple weathering factors such as the presence of water and wind, the temperature change,
the natural characteristics of the rock itself, and human intervention could have been the reasons why
the split of Al-Naslaa rock in Tayma Oasis, Saudi Arabia, was formed almost perfectly. Arguably, what
about the other rock formations? If the same processes have undergone for every rock, how come the
Al-Naslaa rock's split is perfectly cut? In analysis, these factors may or may not have occurred
subsequently. However, I conclude that these factors are worth considering.

Primarily, to explain the cause of the split, a significant thing to be considered is the rock's
unique characterization. Al-Naslaa rock had its preexisting joint or a fault line. This could be a unique
vertical joint/line, which is weakened, erodes more quickly, and is most prone to cracks. Additionally,
the movements of the bedrock underneath have been pulling the rock apart. One evidence of this
bedrock movement is the presence of a lining on the ground underneath and parallel or in line with the
Al-Naslaa's cut. This weak line initiated the weathering, splitting the rock apart, and all other factors
must have smoothened the surface, making it look perfectly straight.

Subsequently, Al-Naslaa rock must have undergone freeze-thaw weathering. According to BSL
Geography Glossary, it is a process of erosion that happens in cold areas, where cracks in a rock are
filled with water forming ice. As the water freezes, the space it consumes expands, forcing the initial
crack to be pushed apart. However, anyone might argue that a desert climate characterizes Saudi
Arabia. According to the Climatic Research Unit of the University of East Anglia, Saudi Arabia's
temperature during winter only ranges between 8 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius, which has not
reached freezing temperature. Upon research, Ancient Earth Globe stated that Saudi Arabia was
surprisingly submerged underwater during the Early Cretaceous period. This evidence can lead us to
another factor involving water: weathering due to water flow. The flow of water when Saudi Arabia is
submerged did not only caused a physical change but also caused changes inside the rock by chemical
reaction. Due to this reaction, it was able to dissolve some material from the rock, primarily through the
weakened cracks. In addition to this evidence, Saudi Arabia during earlier times must have also
experienced freezing temperatures as to why freeze-thaw weathering has occurred on the rock.

Moreover, considering the area is within a desert, the smooth surfaces have been formed due
to abrasion from windblown sand beating against it. The movement of the wind, complemented by the
changing temperature, has widened the gap of the cut. However, this rock is split almost perfectly, and
it becomes questionable to some. It is observable that the edges along the cut are rather sharp. With
this, it is also worth considering the factor of human intervention. According to investigations, the area
within the oasis was inhabited over a thousand years ago. It is noticeable that some parts of Al-Naslaa's
rock surface have pieces of evidence of human activities. There are carvings and imprints of man and
animal figures present, as well as ancient writings. Thus, it can imply that the perfect rock split may not
be as 100% naturally occurring as it seems.

In conclusion, an almost perfect vertical joint or a fault line preexisted within the rock has
initiated its splitting. The other weathering factors, such as water, air, and human activities,
subsequently occurred, making the rock smoother. It may look too perfect to be natural, but Al-Naslaa's
rock proves that nature can create wonders naturally.
References:

130 million years ago, Riyadh and Jeddah were under water (2020). Newsbreezer. Retrieved from:
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Hall, K., Thorn, C. E., Matsuoka, N., & Prick, A. (2002). Weathering in cold regions: some thoughts and
perspectives. Progress in physical geography, 26(4), 577-603.

Nicholson, D. T., & Nicholson, F. H. (2000). Physical deterioration of sedimentary rocks subjected to
experimental freeze–thaw weathering. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms: The Journal of
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