Doggerland and sea levels in the last 15,000 years

I am currently reading this fascinating book about the effect on sea levels the last time the icecaps melted about 15000 years ago.

It was written by a Californian sailor and discusses now submerged places such as Doggerland in the North Sea and others around the globe in the light of the effect on human history as well as changing landforms and coastlines.

Doggerland is interesting because the oil companies have released much North Sea survey data for study by anthropologists, and other scientists.

No outlandish claims are made and the book has lots of solid references to modern research results.

Below is an extracted map of Doggerland.

The main point seems to be that sea levels rose rapidly at the end of the last ice age, but that rate of rise has been slowing down since so most of the 120 metre rise occurred in the first 9,000 years and modern day coastlines appeared 6,000 - 5,000 years ago.

Geologically this is really a very short time, but nearly all human development has taken place in this time.

Edit, nearly forgot to reference the book

The Attacking Ocean

Brian Fagan

Edited October 13, 201510 yr by studiot