The Great Pyramid of Giza has withstood millennia of earthquakes, storms, and erosion. New research suggests that the key to its resilience may lie in how the structure responds to ground vibrations.
The Great Pyramid / © Associated Press
The Great Pyramid of Giza, which has stood tall in Egypt for over 4,500 years, may have survived to the present day thanks to the unique features of its construction and its interaction with the ground. This is the conclusion reached by scientists who studied how the monument reacts to seismic vibrations.
This was reported by the publication Daily Galaxy.
Despite numerous earthquakes, sandstorms, and the prolonged effects of 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 investigate 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 susceptible 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 repeatedly experienced strong seismic shocks. Notably, during a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in the Cairo region in 1992, it sustained only minor damage.
The researchers also drew attention to the specific characteristics of the structure itself. Its massive base, pyramidal shape, and symmetrical weight distribution may help distribute loads more evenly. Furthermore, the internal chambers above the King’s Chamber, as well as the limestone and bedrock on 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 an earthquake-resistant structure. However, the obtained data suggest that the features of its construction may have significantly contributed to the monument’s long-term stability.
We remind you that earlier we reported that the glaciers of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are changing faster than previously predicted. New scientific studies indicate an increase in the rate of melting and rising temperatures in mountainous regions.
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