Sandstorms threaten Iraq's Umm Al Aqarib archaeological site - in pictures

Ancient structures in Dhi Qar province risk being eroded and buried

• 

  This picture taken on March 31, 2023 shows an aerial plan view of an ancient structure at the Umm al-Aqarib archaeological site, frequently buried by sandstorms due to desertification, in the district of al-Rifai in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. - Iraqi archeological marvels that survived millennia and the ravages of war now face a modern threat: being blasted and buried by sandstorms linked to climate change. Many Babylonian treasures, painstakingly unearthed, are slowly disappearing again under wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)

• 

  Archaeologist Aqeel Mansarawi at the ancient site in the southern Dhi Qar province, which he says is now under threat from sandstorms linked to climate change

• 

  Some of the walls at the site have stood for millennia

• 

  Babylonian treasures have been painstakingly unearthed over decades by archaeologists

• 

  But the structures are frequently reburied by sandstorms

• 

  The archaeology is also damaged by wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts

• 

  Mr Mansarawi inspects ancient masonry that is falling prey to the harsh conditions

• 

  Archaeological marvels that survived the ravages of war are again under threat

• 

  An ancient building that is disappearing into the sands

• 

  Mr Mansarawi searches for the remains of a building claimed by the desert sands

More from The National:

Earth Day around the world - in pictures

Hydroponic farm in Tunisia - in pictures

What to expect at Cannes Film Festival 2023

Dr Sultan Al Neyadi celebrates Eid in space