SPLOSH Focus Group

The nature and human occupation of submerged coastal landscapes has rapidly emerged as a key topic in Quaternary science in the last decade, aided by new and higher-resolution technologies and focused research programs. These have been relatively well documented in the Northern Hemisphere, and are beginning to be translated into the Southern Hemisphere where the study of submerged palaeolandscapes faces specific challenges and unique opportunities. Global changes in relative sea level of up to 120 or 130 m below present during the Last Glacial Maximum (~ 22,000 years before present) had a profound influence on the movement of people including between Island South Asia and Australia, as well as within the South American and South African landmasses. Vast coastal plains and hence a significant portion of archaeological evidence, were drowned during the marine transgression, with estimates of up to 40% decrease in continental landmass (~ 190 sq. km/yr) within the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Importantly there is increasing scientific evidence that traces of this unique record have been preserved on Southern Hemisphere continental shelves, alongside growing awareness of cultural continuity with this Sea Country through oral history.

Funded by INQUA for 2020 – 2023, the SPLOSH focus group aims to increase awareness of submerged landscapes and environmental changes in the Southern Hemisphere, and help provide a platform for scientific exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration to help strengthen the importance of research in this region.

We focus on common themes such as sea-level change, coastal landform evolution, human dispersals and coastal resources use, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous perspectives and connections with Sea Country, all aimed towards improved science, knowledge and resource management of a shared heritage.

Our key questions include:

1. How does the greater oceanic area of the Southern Hemisphere influence the nature and preservation of submerged landscapes, and how these are studied?
2. How can we incorporate concerns, interests, knowledge, traditions, and perspectives of First Nations people in submerged landscapes research?
3. How do different biogeographical perspectives from the SH influence our understanding of human migration and past coastal resource use?
4. What new challenges and opportunities can arise from SPLOSH.