Early Holocene Sea Level Rise Shaped Climate and Neolithic Migration

Researchers report that between 11,650 and 7,000 calibrated years Before Present, ocean volume increased substantially during deglaciation. This early Holocene sea level rise brought a global mean sea level increase of approximately 60 meters. The process was largely driven by meltwater release from decaying ice masses and the break up of coastal ice streams. During the Early Holocene, from 11.3 to 8.2 ka, the rate of sea level rise slowed to approximately 8 mm per year. It progressively slowed further to 2 mm per year in the Middle Holocene and less than 1 mm per year by 5 ka.

This rapid rise is considered a factor in the 8,200 BP cooling event, shifts in ocean current patterns, and potential enhancements to volcanic activity. For those interested in ancient human folklore and cultural transitions, these environmental shifts hold significant relevance. Hypotheses suggest that rapid sea level rise, loss of coastal land, and associated climate change contributed to human migration patterns. Researchers note these factors may have also influenced the spread of the Neolithic Revolution into Europe.