Human Utilization of Paleo Karst Caves in the Western Desert of Egypt: An Applied Geomorphological Study.

The paleo-karsts in the Western Desert of Egypt hold significant scientific, cultural, historical, and touristic value. These rarely known features could be used in various aspects of life, including geology, architecture, archaeology, paleontology, and tourism. Deserts have played a significant role in Earth's development, with nomadic tribes and civilizations interested in history, geography, and ecology. Recent discoveries of Stone Age tools in some caves have further fueled interest in ancient human habitation in arid desert caverns in the southern portion of the Western Desert of Egypt. Geomorphology studies earth surface-process relationships to improve land and water resource management. It aids in understanding caves in Egypt's western desert and evaluates tourism prospects near historical paleo karst caves. Landforms record past and present processes, making their form and pattern crucial in geomorphological studies. This paper is intended to identify the geomorphological characteristics of the caves of the Egyptian Western Desert and the extent of their use for human purposes.