Great Pyramid of Giza has withstood millennia of earthquakes, storms, and erosion. New research suggests its resilience might lie in how the structure responds to ground vibrations.
The Great Pyramid / © Associated Press
The Great Pyramid of Giza, standing tall in Egypt for over 4,500 years, may have survived to this day thanks to its structural peculiarities and interaction with the ground. This conclusion was reached by scientists who investigated how the monument reacts to seismic vibrations.
This was reported by the publication Daily Galaxy.
Despite numerous earthquakes, sandstorms, and prolonged exposure to natural factors, the pyramid remains one of the most famous and best-preserved monuments of the ancient world. This is precisely why scientists decided to study not the process of its construction, but the mechanisms that could have helped the structure withstand the test of time.
To achieve this, a team led by seismologist Assem Salem from the Egyptian National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics installed dozens of sensors inside and around the monument. Specialists analyzed the slightest natural vibrations of the structure and its surroundings.
The results showed that the Great Pyramid vibrates differently from the ground beneath it. Due to the difference in natural frequencies, the structure is less prone to resonance – an effect that can significantly amplify the load on buildings during earthquakes, leading to their destruction.
Scientists note that throughout its history, the pyramid has experienced strong seismic shocks multiple times. Specifically, during a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in the Cairo region in 1992, it suffered only minor damage.
Researchers also paid attention to the specific features of the structure itself. The massive base, pyramidal shape, and symmetrical weight distribution may help to more evenly distribute the load. Furthermore, the internal chambers above the King’s Chamber, as well as the limestone and bedrock upon which the monument stands, likely play a role.
At the same time, the authors of the study caution against hasty conclusions. The research does not prove that the ancient Egyptians intentionally designed the pyramid as a structure capable of withstanding earthquakes. However, the obtained data suggest that its structural features could have significantly contributed to the monument’s long-term stability.
Recall, earlier we reported that the glaciers of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are changing faster than previously predicted. New scientific works indicate an increase in the rate of melting and temperature rise in mountainous regions.
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