The idea that deserts could be dried up oceans is an intriguing concept that has some basis in geological history. Many scientists believe that certain desert regions were once covered by large bodies of water.
For instance, the vast Sahara Desert in North Africa was not always the arid landscape we see today. Geologists have found evidence that it was once a lush environment, complete with rivers and lakes, which suggests that it could have been part of a prehistoric ocean. Over millions of years, changes in climate, tectonic activity, and evaporation led to the drying up of these water bodies, transforming them into the deserts we now recognize.
Furthermore, this theory applies to other deserts as well, such as the Great Basin Desert in North America, which includes remnants of ancient lakes like Lake Bonneville. The process of geological evolution illustrates how landscapes can change dramatically over time. So, while not all deserts are directly linked to former oceans, many have histories that suggest they were once vibrant aquatic environments.