Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 828

Biologically, this oasis has been confirmed as a refuge for some extremely rare and endangered species. For example, researchers discovered a small reptile called the Spotted Flower Lizard, which was previously thought to be extinct.

In addition, some unique plant species have exhibited unusual biological characteristics in adapting to extreme drought and short flood seasons.

In order to protect this precious natural heritage, in 1978, the Australian government officially designated the George Ring and its internal oases as a national nature reserve.

Strict access controls and regulations for scientific research activities have been implemented to ensure that the natural environment and ecological balance of the area are not damaged.

Since the 1990s, the Australian National Academy of Sciences and other reliable institutions in Europe and the United States have faced unprecedented challenges in their exploration of the vast oasis in the center of the George Ring.

Although previous discoveries have greatly stimulated the scientific community's interest and desire for exploration, the limited technological level at the time has significantly restricted most research teams' in-depth exploration of this remote and inaccessible oasis.

Despite the significant advancements in human technology across many fields, there are still clear limitations in remote detection and cargo transportation.

Without the drones or advanced remote sensing equipment that Tierra had before, scientists could not easily monitor or explore the oasis's interior environment in the remote and harsh conditions of the George Ring.

Moreover, since the central oasis is located deep within the ring mountain range, surrounded by vast desert and rugged terrain, with no roads or other convenient means of access, scientific research teams must rely on livestock or undertake long and arduous treks to conduct in-depth research in the oasis. This poses a huge challenge to the logistics of personnel and equipment.

Heavy equipment often cannot be transported to the research area, which severely limits the scope and depth of scientific research activities.

Furthermore, communication technology in this era is far less advanced than it was before Tiera's time travel, especially in situations like this, where one must trek long distances in unfamiliar environments.

If anyone falls behind, it could be the last time they ever see each other.

In this day and age, the death and disappearance rates among members of scientific expedition teams, especially those in the field, are extremely high.

This is why Professor Caldwell initially strongly opposed Thiella joining the team for the scouting trip.

However, Professor Caldwell ultimately couldn't persuade Tierra to stay, and had to let Tierra, the big spender, go into the mountains with him.

However, Professor Caldwell led the team, followed by Tierra and Agnes Mattis, and then the rest of the expedition team.

It was as if Tiera was surrounded by them, as if they were afraid she would get lost.

Tiera felt there was no need to explain at this point, but she was too lazy to do so, so she simply smiled and acquiesced.

Upon entering the passageway, Professor Woodward discovered that it was narrower and more winding than he had expected, the light gradually dimmed, and the air was filled with a damp, ancient earthy smell.

The walls at the entrance were covered with dark green moss.

After passing through a cramped and oppressive entrance and several dozen meters of road, they finally reached a slightly wider passage—after overcoming the initial difficulties, Professor Woodwardwell and his team entered a spacious passage that was clearly man-made.

The scene here contrasts sharply with the previously naturally formed narrow passageway.

The walls of the tunnel, blasted out by the blasting, are made of rough rock. The rocks are somewhat irregular due to the explosives, and the cross-sections of the rock layers are faintly visible, showing traces of geological age. The gray-white and dark brown colors add a touch of primitiveness to the space.

At regular intervals, a thick wooden stake is driven into the cave wall. They are irregular in shape, but without exception, they play an important role in supporting the entire cave structure.

These wooden stakes are all different. Some are old, covered with a thick layer of moss, and their color has gradually changed from emerald green to a decaying dark brown, while others look newer, with the wood still showing its original pale yellow color.

As they ventured deeper into the passage, the natural light gradually dimmed, forcing the expedition team members to turn on their flashlights.

The lamplight cast long shadows on the rough rock surface, contrasting with the deep green moss on the cave walls, creating a deep and mysterious atmosphere. The dampness and the scent of ancient earth in the air were even stronger, as if one could smell the passage of time, making one feel as if they had stepped into another dimension.

In this oppressive, narrow passage, the research team moved slowly forward, and the sound of each person's breathing and footsteps was almost the only sound in this dim space.

The team members adjusted their lights from time to time, the beams piercing through the dense air, sweeping across the damp rock walls and moss-covered wooden stakes.

The dim light cast swaying shadows on the stone wall, adding a layer of uncertainty and mystery.

Due to the narrow passage, the team members had to line up in a single file, maintaining a careful distance from each other to avoid causing unnecessary rockfalls or disturbing loose geological structures.

Professor Woodward, who was leading the team, would occasionally stop to instruct the team members to record samples from specific geological layers.

Although they are an ecological research team, it doesn't mean that the samples from these strata are useless.

Looking at the bigger picture, we can use these stratigraphic samples to exchange information with other research groups in the expedition team. In the short term, we can send them for chemical analysis or animal fecal analysis, and the data obtained would be sufficient for a master's student's graduation.

The further you go in, the stronger the dampness and earthy smell in the air become, clearly due to the lack of ventilation over a long period of time.

Along the way, the rustling of small animals occasionally broke the silence. Whenever this happened, the biologists in the team would excitedly slow down and use night vision cameras to try to observe or record these precious natural creatures.

As they continued on their journey, whenever they passed a wooden stake, Professor Woodward would carefully illuminate the rough wooden surface with his flashlight, looking for any signs that might indicate structural instability.

He carefully examined every detail, making sure that each wooden stake was firmly supporting the weight of the cave.

Once he has confirmed that everything is safe, he will instruct the students following him to record the number and condition of each stake. These records will be compiled and reported to the Australian Wilderness Material Control Authority so that necessary repairs and maintenance can be carried out in a timely manner to ensure that this man-made passage remains reliable and safe in the future.