but has anyone done any other kind of exploration in the immediate vicinity?

I'm asking because a few months ago, I was watching a doc. on Discovery I think, and apparently there are 2 scientists, husband and wife I think they are, who believe that the desert, was in fact a lush valley with grass and water, inhabitants, animals etc.

Then there was a massive drought or something, and everything became desert.

Maybe the same theory could apply to the Valley of the Kings and elsewhere, which could mean they ain't digging deep enough to help them find some of the answers about ancient Egypt?