Several distinct wet periods since 420 ka in the Namib Desert inferred from U-series dates of speleothems

A groundbreaking study reveals that the hyper-arid central Namib Desert experienced at least three distinct wet periods—spanning approximately 420–385 ka, 230–207 ka, and 120–117 ka—interrupting its predominantly dry climate. These findings, derived from U-series dating of speleothems in a cave system, challenge the perception of the Namib as a consistently arid landscape. The research aligns with wet phases observed in other northern hemisphere deserts, suggesting synchronized climatic shifts on a global scale. Notably, no speleothem growth was recorded during the Holocene, pointing to prolonged dry conditions in recent millennia.

Geyh, M. A., & Heine, K. (2014). Several distinct wet periods since 420 ka in the Namib Desert inferred from U-series dates of speleothems. Quaternary Research, 81(2), 381–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yqres.2013.10.020