How did our ancestors adapt to sea-level change? Discovering and safeguarding Europe’s underwater heritage through Continental Shelf Prehistoric Research
Chu, N.-C.; McDonough, N.; Flemming, N.C. (2014). How did our ancestors adapt to sea-level change? Discovering and safeguarding Europe’s underwater heritage through Continental Shelf Prehistoric Research. EMB Policy Brief, 1. European Marine Board: Ostend. 7 pp.
Part of: EMB Policy Brief. European Marine Board: Ostend. ISSN 0778-3590
During the successive ice ages of the last 1 million years, the sea level dropped at times by up to 120m, adding the equivalent of an extra 40% to the land area of Europe. Vegetation, animals and people occupied this exposed terrain and left information on our ancestors’ migration patterns, social structures, seafaring and exploitation of coastal resources. With the rising sea level, this substantial part of Europe’s prehistory is now underwater and its preservation is being threatened by natural erosion and commercial maritime activities. A major increase in our efforts to explore these submerged prehistoric settlements is urgently needed to safeguard this heritage and support sustainable management of our coastal and offshore resources.
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