The journey of humans to North America stands as a contentious topic in the realm of archaeology, sparking vigorous debates and evolving theories over time. Traditionally, the prevailing belief among scientists was that approximately 13,000 years ago, Stone Age hunters traversed a land bridge connecting eastern Siberia to western Alaska. Subsequently, these early settlers would have walked through an ice-free corridor that momentarily opened between massive ice sheets during that period. This hypothesis, rooted in the examination of ancient footprints in New Mexico dating back to 23,000 years, challenges the previously held timeline for human migration into the continent.
Intriguingly, a recent study, presented at the American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting, introduces a novel perspective on the possible routes taken by early inhabitants of North America. According to this research, sea ice might have played a crucial role as a conduit for human migration thousands of years ago. Although the concept of early Americans navigating the Pacific Coast has been contemplated before, the prevailing conditions were deemed unfavorable. A 2020 study highlighted the challenging impact of strong currents generated by freshwater from melting glaciers, hindering coastal travel.
To shed light on this aspect, Summer Praetorius from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and her team delved into the analysis of climate proxies in ocean sediment along the coast. While evidence of coastal settlements dating back to 14,000 years ago had been previously unearthed by archaeologists, Praetorius focused on studying fossilized plankton to glean insights into ocean conditions during the relevant period. Employing climate models alongside the data, the team reconstructed information on ocean temperatures, salinity, and sea ice cover.
The findings revealed a compelling scenario: during the last glacial maximum approximately 20,000 years ago, ocean currents exhibited twice the strength observed in contemporary times. This phenomenon was attributed to glacial winds and lower sea levels, rendering boat travel nearly impossible. The study thus challenges existing notions about migration routes, suggesting that sea ice may have facilitated the movement of ancient populations in ways previously unexplored. The ongoing discourse surrounding the peopling of North America continues to evolve with each discovery, prompting a reevaluation of established theories and opening new avenues for exploration in the intricate tapestry of human history.
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