These findings indicate that contact between ancient communities on both sides of the Arabian Gulf resulted in shared musical traditions central to rituals and religious beliefs, Douglas’ team says.

Though being struck by lightning is usually bad, the tropical tree Dipteryx oleifera benefits. A strike kills other nearby trees and parasitic vines.

Some of the unusual rocks carry stories about water on Mars. One has hints of long-gone microbes. All tell of a dynamic, complex planet.