Oldest Alphabetic Writing Discovered and the Indian Ocean Gravity Hole
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Nov 27, 2024
A remarkable archaeological find in Syria has revealed the world's oldest alphabetic writing, dating back to 2400 BCE. This discovery shakes up previous beliefs about the origins of written communication, suggesting it was more widespread. Meanwhile, deep beneath the Indian Ocean lies a mysterious 'gravity hole,' where Earth's gravitational pull is unusually weak. This anomaly, linked to ancient geological processes, sheds light on ocean circulation and climate patterns. Together, these topics redefine our understanding of history and Earth's evolution.
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insights INSIGHT
Oldest Alphabet Discovery
The world's oldest alphabetic writing, dating back to 2400 BCE, was found in Syria.
This predates previously known alphabetic scripts by 500 years and suggests writing was more widespread.
insights INSIGHT
Indian Ocean Gravity Hole
The Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) has weaker gravity than surrounding areas, creating a sea-level depression.
This anomaly affects ocean currents, climate, navigation, and potentially future geological events.
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In today's episode of Discover Daily, we begin with a closer look at a groundbreaking archaeological discovery. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have unearthed the world's oldest known alphabetic writing in Syria, dating back to 2400 BCE. Found in a non-royal tomb at Tell Umm-el Marra, these perforated clay cylinders with etched writing predate previous alphabetic scripts by 500 years, challenging long-held beliefs about the origins and democratization of written communication.
We then move deep beneath the Indian Ocean where a mysterious "gravity hole" lies. Known as the Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL), it's where Earth's gravitational pull is significantly weaker than surrounding areas. Recent computer simulations by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have traced its origins to about 20 million years ago, revealing how the ancient Tethys Ocean's disappearance and complex mantle dynamics created this unique geological feature.Today's episode explores how these discoveries reshape our understanding of human communication and Earth's internal structure.
From the democratization of writing in ancient Syria to the complex geological processes affecting modern navigation and climate patterns, these findings offer fresh perspectives on our planet's past and present.
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