Researchers have discovered ancient rivers and lakes beneath the Great Barrier Reef, where indigenous peoples once lived, according to infohub.kz.
Scientists from the University of Queensland, together with representatives of Australian Aboriginal groups, surveyed the area off the coast of Queensland. During a 24-day expedition aboard the research vessel Investigator, the team used high-resolution sonar to map the seafloor, revealing a detailed underwater landscape that was submerged about 7,000 years ago.
The map shows ancient rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastlines. Australia's first inhabitants settled these areas more than 65,000 years ago, when sea levels were 80 meters lower than today. At that time, the reef was a vast coastal plain bordering dense forests. The scientific data was combined with traditional knowledge from the local Darumbal and Woppaburra peoples.
To study the ancient climate, researchers retrieved more than 20 sediment cores from the seafloor. Analysis of fossil remains will help reconstruct the history of sea-level changes and vegetation. This research will improve predictions of climate impacts on the reef and help preserve the region's historical heritage.