Holocene sea level rise leading to the shifting of coastal lines and human movement

Rising sea levels and climate change have shaped human diversity. Cultural transition from Mesolithic gatherer economies to a more settle Neolithic economies were transformed in different parts of the world as a result of the early Holocene sea level rise. In general, the changeover took place on different times and places around the world. 11,500BP in the Middle East, around 9000BP in China and between ca 8000BP to ca 6000BP in Europe (Smith et al.,2011).

Smith et al., (2011) suggests for the Brits it was a more Neolithic native adaptation rather than a colonisation. Britten was cut off from Europe as a consequence of flooding of Doggerland. Scandinavian coastal dwelling Mesolithic people had to make a rapid retreat inland at the beginning of this period. This made them become more stable with the development of farming during the Neolithic period. Archaeological evidence show vegetation shifts during the Holocene with the outbreak of farming (Schmolcke et al., 2006).

Well on the other hand, Gulf of Persia was overwhelmed by rich coasts and aquatic habitat into the region as a result of rising sea levels. The finding of fish bone assemblages in archaeological sites around the coastal areas show human populations clearly dominated fishing (Schmolcke et al.,2006). This was a by product of the fundamental changes made from limnetic to marine conditions which led to an increase in cod, flatfish and eel population (Schmolcke et al., 2006).

This map will give you an idea of the changes made to the coastal lines during the Holocene..............