Metagenomic sequencing applied to petroglyphs sites in the Negev desert

Petroglyphs sites exist all over the world and are one of the earliest forms of mankind expression and precursor to art. Despite their outstanding value, comprehensive research on conservation and preservation of rock art is minimal, especially when related to biodeterioration. For this reason, the main objective of this study was to explore the factors involved in the degradation of petroglyphs sites in the Negev desert of Israel, with a focus on biodegradation processes.

岩画（petroglyphs）遗址遍布全球，是人类最早的表达形式之一，亦是艺术的先驱。尽管岩画具有极高的文化与学术价值，但针对其保护的系统性研究却相对匮乏，尤其是涉及生物劣化（biodeterioration）的相关研究。基于此背景，本研究的核心目标为探究以色列内盖夫沙漠岩画遗址的劣化影响因素，并重点聚焦生物劣化过程。