Those who follow alternative archaeology on the Sphinx know about Robert Schoch’s geological water erosion hypothesis. Schoch’s analysis argues that water erosion of the Sphinx indicates it is much older than the pyramids and the pyramid age. Now new wind-swept models are emerging (here and here). Though this link doesn’t directly challenge Schoch and his arguments, I have to wonder if it will at some point.
Schoch’s hypothesis depends on water erosion, yes, but only as confirmation.
His date relies solely on subsurface weathering due to exposure to air (sand would not prevent this type of weathering, nor would water.)
The ultimate fate of his theory depends then on explanations related to the subsurface weathering and thus wind erosion will never do him in.
Harte
@Harte: thanks!