Rock Slope Instabilities Affecting the AlUla Archaeological Sites (KSA)

Rock slope instabilities pose significant threats to the preservation of cultural heritage sites in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. A recent study highlights that geomorphological processes and rock degradation, particularly affecting sandstone formations, endanger monumental tombs like those at Hegra, as well as other historical sites such as Dadan and the Old Town. The research evaluates local rock material characteristics, assesses rock mass stability, and identifies degradation patterns to better understand potential hazards. By analyzing these factors, the study provides critical insights for the conservation of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a foundation for mitigating risks to their long-term integrity.

Gallego, J. I., Margottini, C., Perissé Valero, I., Spizzichino, D., Beni, T., Boldini, D., Bonometti, F., Casagli, N., Castellanza, R., Crosta, G. B., Frattini, P., Frodella, W., Gigli, G., Lusini, E., Rigamonti, S., Rusconi, G., & Vitrano, L. (2023). Rock Slope Instabilities Affecting the AlUla Archaeological Sites (KSA). Progress in Landslide Research and Technology, Volume 2 Issue 2, 2023, 413–429. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44296-4_24