New Study Proposes Wind as a Potential Shaper of the Great Sphinx
The enigmatic origins of the Great Sphinx have long puzzled researchers, but a groundbreaking study proposes that the powerful forces of wind might have played a more significant role in sculpting this iconic monument than previously believed
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Over four decades ago, Farouk El-Baza, renowned space scientist and geologist, proposed a groundbreaking hypothesis. He suggested that wind played a significant role in sculpting the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza, even before ancient Egyptians adorned it with intricate surface decorations.
Now, a new study offers evidence to suggest that theory might be plausible, according to a news release from New York University.
Limestone Canopic Jar of the Egyptian lady Senetnay (c. 1450 BCE); Museum August Kestner, Hannover (Inv.-No. 1935.200.1018)
Christian Tepper/Museum August Kestner
A team of scientists from NYU's Applied Mathematics Laboratory aimed to investigate this theory by recreating the environmental conditions from around 4,500 years ago when the limestone statue was most likely constructed. Their objective was to conduct tests to study how wind influenced the formation of rock structures.
"Our findings propose a potential explanation for the formation of Sphinx-like structures through erosion," stated Leif Ristroph, a senior study author and associate professor at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Through laboratory experiments, we discovered that materials eroded by fast flows can unexpectedly result in Sphinx-like shapes."
The research team, whose study has been accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review Fluids, conducted experiments using clay models of yardangs. Yardangs are natural landforms composed of compact sand that are formed by wind erosion in exposed desert regions. The team simulated the effect of wind erosion by washing the formations with a high-speed stream of water.
The team utilized more durable inclusions in the plain and smooth clay mound of the Great Sphinx to prevent erosion. Through the influence of the water tunnel, the researchers observed the emergence of a lion-like figure.
CNN was informed by Ristroph that there are naturally occurring yardangs in the desert that resemble animals in a seated or reclining position with raised heads. Some of these formations, known as Mud Lions, strongly resemble seated lions or cats. He further stated that our experiments may contribute to the knowledge of the formation process of these yardangs.
Additional information about the enigmatic origins of the Great Sphinx
Although there remain unanswered questions regarding the appearance and purpose behind the creation of the Great Sphinx of Giza, it is widely accepted that this colossal statue, standing tall at 66 feet (20 meters), was meticulously sculpted from a solitary block of limestone.
The Sphinxs formation, believed to have been shaped by wind, was initially introduced in a 1981 Smithsonian Magazine article written by El-Baz titled "Desert Builders Knew a Good Thing When They Saw It."
created clay models of the Great Sphinx, integrating stronger inclusions. The team simulated the erosive effects of wind by thoroughly rinsing the models with a powerful water stream.
El-Baz mentioned that the basis for the premise comes from the notable research of Ronald Greeley, a planetary geologist who utilized simulated wind tunnels to investigate the effect of wind erosion on the formation of structures in desert environments. El-Baz expressed in an email to CNN that he does not perceive this new study as offering additional validation to his initial theory.
Working set-up for multispectral imaging in the tomb of Paser
Theban Tombs Project (LAMS MAFTO CNRS - CA Uliège)
Chemical imaging reveals hidden details in Egyptian paintings
Salima Ikram, a renowned Egyptology professor at the American University in Cairo, challenges the assumption that the Sphinx was initially formed as a yardang.
According to Ikram, although natural forces contributed to the Sphinx's subsequent shaping, it is improbable that its original design was based on a yardang. This is because there are substantial quarry marks and working marks present in the surrounding area. Ikram, who did not participate in the study, expressed her viewpoint via email.
Ikram argued that the abundance of evidence showcasing human involvement in the construction of the Great Sphinx undermines the plausibility of the yardang theory. The researchers from New York University stated that their findings indicate the possibility of Sphinx-like structures forming in ordinary circumstances; however, they do not provide answers to the enigmas surrounding yardangs and the Great Sphinx.
"It's not as simple as black and white. No one claims that this object was solely created by humans, nor do they claim that it was purely formed by nature. The real question is to what extent it was naturally formed and subsequently modified," explained Ristroph to CNN. "Our study reveals that a significant portion of the head base, neck, and paws could potentially be shaped by natural erosion."
