Geomorphological identification of ancient roads and paths on the loess of the northern Negev

Ancient roads have not been discovered in the Northern Negev plains because of the loessial soils covering it. However, following geomorphological processes, trails and routes on the loess are subjected to sagging by hydrocompaction and aeolian erosion. These sunken roads can be identified on aerial photographs because they collect water. In semi-arid areas, this is reflected in the amount of vegetation. Gullies are formed on some of these roads that cross wadis. Analysis of aerial photographs shows that ancient sites in the northwestern Negev act as nodes or central points for these sunken roads and road-originated gullies.