Four centuries ago, one of the driest places on Earth thrived, receiving a surprising amount of rainfall.

The history of the Earth spans 4.5 billion years, during which our planet has undergone numerous changes. Recently, scientists have increasingly discussed climate change looming over the planet — one of the primary factors contributing to these changes is human impact, as reported by PHYS.org.

In a new study, researchers reconstructed extreme precipitation patterns in Arabia and found that around 400 years ago, the amount of rainfall in the region was five times greater. The authors of the study emphasize that their findings highlight the need for preparedness in the face of increasing urbanization.

The research was conducted by the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami and indicates that the last 2000 years have actually been significantly wetter than previously thought. Scientists believe that the region's climate resembled a vegetated savanna and was home to lions, leopards, and wolves. Notably, today Arabia is an incredibly arid desert.

According to the lead author of the study, Professor and Chair of Marine Geological Sciences Sam Purkis, large development projects in Saudi Arabia continue to alter the landscape. Researchers now believe that more attention should be given to climate change resilience and disaster preparedness. Furthermore, scientists indicate that the region remains at high risk for extreme weather events.

During the study, the researchers utilized a remotely operated vehicle, which enabled them to extract sediment cores from a deep-water brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba, an extension of the northern Red Sea. It is important to note that the chemical composition of the brine essentially preserves the sediment layers intact — providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study precipitation trends during the late Holocene.

The study's results reveal that the last 2000 years in Arabia have been much wetter than previously believed — at that time, the region was covered in vegetation and was home to an incredible variety of species. The authors also discovered that about 200 years ago, the amount of rainfall was twice as much as it is today.

According to co-author of the study, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the Rosenstiel School of the University of Miami Amy Clement, the findings of this new research are a key record that fills a gap in the climate history of the Middle East. The results also suggest that the climate, whether average or extreme, can change drastically in the region. Even more concerning is the assumption regarding the long-term stability of the climate in the future.

Today, the Middle East is considered a hotspot for the climate crisis: the number of sudden floods in the region is increasing, followed by severe droughts — all contributing to chaos and humanitarian disasters.

The variability of late Holocene precipitation also underscores the need for better preparedness for sudden floods and droughts, as well as understanding future hydroclimatic trends. The authors of the study believe that new technologies may enhance our understanding of the connections between oceanic systems and climate changes in the future.