Artifacts reemerge due to heat

• Extreme weather affects everything everywhere, from agriculture to energy transport.
• Reemerging artifacts were lost over time by natural forces or for the sake of development.
• A prehistoric stone circle and medieval village was discovered in Spain amid extreme drought.

Ancient relics, prehistoric treasures and medieval villages are among the underwater artifacts that have resurfaced as water levels around the world plunge because of drought.  

This year, the United States has been hit hard by major flooding events, water shortages and scorching temperatures. Multiple sets of human remains have resurfaced in Lake Mead as water levels continue to recede. 

Climate change affects everything from agriculture to energy transport, and many areas are not equipped with the infrastructure to deal with such extremes.

Europe is facing record heat waves. China issued a drought emergency this week as areas of the Yangtze River dry up, Chinese state media says.

It also upends the physical and mental well-being of those who are most impacted. Poor people and other marginalized groups often bear the greatest brunt of climate change, according to the United Nations.

Flooding across the US:Overnight floodwaters inundate Dallas area, rain threatens New Jersey with flash floods

What is a flash flood watch or warning? Here’s what to know about this deadly weather hazard

Eerie photos show reemerging artifacts once lost to natural forces or for the sake of humans. Here’s a look at what’s been rediscovered.

Ancient Buddhist statues

Three ancient Buddhist statues believed to be around 600 years old were revealed on a previously submerged island in the Yangtze River amid a severe drought and heatwave in China’s Southwest. 

‘Spanish Stonehenge’

Spain in July experienced its hottest month since at least 1961, leaving Spanish reservoirs at just 40 percent of capacity on average earlier this month, according to Reuters.

The Dolmen of Guadalperal, or “Spanish Stonehenge,” in Spain’s province of Cáceres is fully exposed‎ from low water levels. 

The prehistoric stone circle with more than 100 standing rocks was discovered by German archaeologist Hugo Obermaier in 1926 and dates back to around 7,000 years ago.

Climate consequences:Climate change-related weather hazards linked to nearly 60% of human diseases

‘Megafloods’:Experts warn California of a disaster ‘larger than any in world history’

The rocks became submerged in the 1960s during a rural development project under Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, according to NASA. In 2019, the entire structure was exposed for the first time since the Valdecañas reservoir was filled during the project.