Saudi researchers uncover 34-million-year-old marine formation in Jouf
Discovery reveals ancient seafloor history and reshapes understanding of northwestern Saudi Arabia’s geology
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — A research team led by scientists from King Abdulaziz University has identified the first Oligocene-era marine deposits in northwestern Saudi Arabia, revealing new details about the region’s ancient geological history.
The newly documented Al-Qurayyat Formation was discovered in Al-Qurayyat governorate in the Jouf region near the Saudi-Jordanian border and has been introduced to international scientific records as a distinct geological unit.
The formation consists of marine limestone deposits ranging from 15 to 26 meters thick, containing fossil-rich layers, marl, limestone sequences and remains of ancient marine organisms including sea urchins and shell fragments.
Researchers said the discovery challenges previous geological assumptions that older Eocene deposits directly covered younger formations in the area.
The study found that the Al-Qurayyat Formation existed between two previously identified geological layers, with tectonic activity influencing where the deposits were preserved.
Scientists said the findings provide a revised understanding of Paleogene marine formations in northwestern Saudi Arabia, separating earlier Eocene rocks from the newly identified Early Oligocene unit.
Dr. Mohammed Hamed Al-Jahdali, associate professor of paleo-marine environments at King Abdulaziz University, said researchers used microscopic marine fossils known as calcareous nannofossils to determine the age of the deposits.
The team identified fossil species dating the formation to approximately 34 to 32 million years ago, placing it within the earliest Oligocene period.
Researchers also identified biological markers linked to major global environmental changes that occurred around the transition between the Eocene and Oligocene epochs.
The study showed that the area, which is now a desert landscape, was once covered by a shallow sea connected to the ancient Neo-Tethys Ocean.
Scientists said tectonic movements gradually transformed the region, causing marine environments to disappear and leaving behind the geological structures visible today.
Al-Jahdali said advanced fossil analysis combined with sediment studies provided a more accurate timeline of the region’s geological evolution compared with previous field-based interpretations.
The research could also support future exploration activities, including studies related to phosphate deposits, rare earth elements and potential hydrocarbon resources.
Researchers noted that the discovery may improve geological models for the Sirhan-Turaif Basin and help identify new areas with resource potential.
The study was conducted by a team from King Abdulaziz University including Dr. Ibrahim Ghandour, Dr. Ramadan Al-Qahawi, Dr. Mahmoud Fares and Dr. Birgit Wade, with contributions from graduate researchers.
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