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A recent study revealed that a mega-tsunami, producing waves up to 65 feet high, engulfed significant portions of Northern Europe 8,000 years ago. This event resulted in a significant decline in the population of Stone Age Britain.
According to the University of York researchers, a significant decrease in the population of northern Britain occurred at the same time as a colossal tsunami caused by an underwater landslide called the Storegga slide near Norway.
Earlier studies indicated that at this period, the northern region of Britain was inhabited by a relatively small group of approximately 1,000 individuals. A massive tsunami of this magnitude could have potentially caused catastrophic damage to these Stone Age communities situated along the coast.
According to archaeological evidence, there was a sudden decrease in the number of inhabited sites in northwest Europe during this period. This has been attributed to a significant and consistent decrease in temperatures throughout the continent.
However, the recent publication in the Journal of Quaternary Science notes that the Storegga tsunami aligns with the significant decrease in population around 8,120 to 8,175 years ago.
Scientists report that a significant landslide occurred near the western coast of Norway, displacing a massive amount of sediment estimated to be between 2400 and 3200 cubic km. This event may have caused waves reaching heights of 3 to 6m (10 to 20ft) in northern England, with even larger waves of over 20m (65ft) hitting the Shetland Islands, located north of the Scottish mainland.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami reached a peak height of approximately 167ft (51m) and caused the death of more than 230,000 individuals.
Describing the Ring of Fire.
The researchers conducted computer simulations to investigate the effects of the tsunami on the population decline and sediment deposits. They also considered other factors that may have played a larger role during this time.
The simulations indicate that the sediment deposits at the historic location of Howick in Stone Age Britain may have been created by a tsunami, but only if the waves hit during high tide.
Although previous fishing communities in areas with a history of tsunamis, like the Northern Pacific, have demonstrated resilience by relocating to higher elevations, experts believe that this was not the case for Stone Age inhabitants in Britain who lacked firsthand experience and understanding of the danger presented by receding waters.
According to the simulation, it is believed that the tsunami may have resulted in a considerable loss of life, as well as secondary effects due to the destruction of crucial resources necessary for the survival of ancient communities.
The study stated that the tsunami had a serious impact on Howick, with the potential for disastrous loss of life and long-term effects on available resources for those who survived.
Source: independent.co.uk
