Recent research published in Quaternary Science Reviews unveils the hidden history of Australia’s Northwest Shelf, which was once an expansive, habitable landscape connecting the Kimberley and western Arnhem Land. This submerged continental shelf, stretching nearly 390,000 square kilometers, formed a unique cultural zone during a significant part of Australia’s human history, around 18,000 years ago.
As the last ice age concluded, rising sea levels submerged this vast area, creating a complex landscape that remained undiscovered until now. The study used high-resolution maps and projections of past sea levels to reveal an archipelago, lakes, rivers, and a large inland sea that existed on the Northwest Shelf.
This region, previously thought to be environmentally unproductive, turns out to have been a thriving ecosystem that supported human populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people over the last 65,000 years.
The research challenges previous assumptions about the use of submerged continental shelves by First Nations peoples. Archaeological evidence has been found on underwater sites worldwide, and the study highlights the rich history of Australia’s submerged landscapes, shedding light on the adaptive strategies of ancient populations in response to climate changes. The findings underscore the importance of Indigenous knowledge in environmental management and adaptation, emphasizing the need for Indigenous-led approaches in addressing contemporary challenges.
Read Now:UK Faces Economic Contraction, Potential Recession: ONS Data
