Bivalves & the Black Sea: A 9500-Year-Old Flood?

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In summary, a recent study suggests that a catastrophic flood in the Black Sea 9,500 years ago may have been smaller than previously believed. The researchers used bivalves to help date sediment and their findings may impact our understanding of ancient settlements in the region.
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123101207.htm

ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2009) — Did a catastrophic flood of biblical proportions drown the shores of the Black Sea 9,500 years ago, wiping out early Neolithic settlements around its perimeter? A geologist with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and two Romanian colleagues report in the January issue of Quaternary Science Reviews that, if the flood occurred at all, it was much smaller than previously proposed by other

They use bivalves to date sediment, the material that holds the two sides of bivalve together decays easily, so if the two halves are found together it is a good indication they have not been redistributed, cool idea.
 
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This is probably how it happened.
 
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Wow, this is really interesting! I've always been fascinated by the idea of a catastrophic flood in the Black Sea region. It's amazing to think that something like that could have happened so long ago.

I think it's really cool that they were able to use bivalves to help date the sediment. It's always impressive to see how scientists use creative methods to gather information and make discoveries.

I'm curious to see how this new information will change our understanding of the ancient settlements in the Black Sea region. It's always exciting when new research challenges previously held beliefs.

Thanks for sharing this article! It's always great to see new developments in the scientific community.
 

1. What are bivalves?

Bivalves are a type of mollusk that have a two-part hinged shell. They are filter feeders, meaning they obtain food by filtering water through their gills.

2. How old is the Black Sea flood?

The Black Sea flood occurred approximately 9500 years ago during the beginning of the Holocene era.

3. What caused the Black Sea flood?

The Black Sea flood was caused by a rise in sea level due to the melting of glaciers at the end of the last ice age. This caused the Mediterranean Sea to overflow into the Black Sea, creating a catastrophic flood.

4. What role did bivalves play in the Black Sea flood?

Bivalves played a crucial role in the Black Sea flood by providing evidence of the flooding event. As filter feeders, bivalves are sensitive to changes in water salinity and can only survive in specific environments. The presence of bivalves in the Black Sea sediment layers helped scientists determine the timing and extent of the flood.

5. How does the Black Sea flood impact us today?

The Black Sea flood has had a significant impact on the development of human civilization. It is believed that the flood may have influenced the story of Noah's Ark in the Bible and the ancient Greek myth of the Great Flood. Additionally, the flood may have forced early human settlements to adapt and migrate to other regions, leading to the spread of agriculture and the development of different cultures. The Black Sea flood also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of rising sea levels due to climate change.

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