The sea area between the Far East of Russia and the state of Alaska in the USA may have hosted a “sea ice highway” twice.
A new study suggests that the “sea ice highway” could have enabled humans to migrate from Siberia to the New World more than 10,000 years earlier than previously predicted.
This groundbreaking discovery comes from a research team affiliated with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Oregon State University.
Previously, it was believed that around 13,000-14,000 years ago, a “land bridge” formed between Siberia and North America, allowing the Clovis people—the first inhabitants of North America—to reach the “promised land.”
The sea area between Siberia and North America may have multiple ancient “highways” – (Photo: IFL Science).
There is a wealth of evidence supporting this hypothesis, including physical evidence, climate models, as well as remains, tools, and bones of large extinct animals…
Furthermore, other evidence indicates that sea levels 36,000 years ago were even lower, enough to reveal a massive and sturdy “bridge” across the top of the world, facilitating Siberians’ journey to present-day northern Canada.
However, this route would be quite challenging due to the rugged snowy peaks and glaciers, creating a landscape that was perilous and lacking in resources for migration.
The new research points to an intermediate timeline and a more favorable route connecting Siberia to Alaska.
The authors of the study traced clues from a 14,000-year-old settlement excavated along the west coast of Canada, indicating that ancient peoples may have utilized the sea route as glaciers gradually retreated.
Nevertheless, the thousands of kilometers journey with primitive boats of that time was not very feasible, not to mention the presence of dangerous seasonal currents.
The new study reveals a different pathway.
By refining the timeline, they identified two periods when glacial conditions were not too harsh, yet not melted enough to turn the area between Siberia and Alaska into sea: 24,500-22,000 years ago and 16,400-14,800 years ago.
During those periods, between these two locations was a “sea ice highway” flat enough for walking or even using sleds, potentially combined with short boat trips.
The confirmation of the existence of the “sea ice highway” does not directly prove that humans traveled through it. However, there is indirect evidence supporting this, such as human footprints over 20,000 years old found in New Mexico.
This research was recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union.
