Wadi Al-Hitan or ‘Valley of Whales’ – an Eocene World Heritage Site in the Western Desert of Egypt

Wadi Al-Hitan, or the 'Valley of Whales,' is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional fossil record, particularly of Eocene whales. This site preserves some of the most complete skulls and skeletons of archaic whales, such as Basilosaurus isis and Dorudon atrox, dating back 38 to 36 million years. The fossils, found in sedimentary strata formed during fluctuating sea levels, provide a unique window into the Tethys Sea's nearshore marine environments. Additionally, the site includes remains of other marine life such as sea cows, crocodiles, turtles, bony fishes, and sharks. The exposed geological layers allow for detailed stratigraphic analysis, making Wadi Al-Hitan invaluable for both scientific research and public education.

Gingerich, P. D. (2023). Wadi Al-Hitan or ‘Valley of Whales’ – an Eocene World Heritage Site in the Western Desert of Egypt. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 543(1), 421–430. https://doi.org/10.1144/sp543-2022-203