Recent Expeditions: Geophysical Mapping of the Southern California Continental Shelf

One of the most asked questions within the world of archeology is, how and when did humans enter North America?

The most recent expedition is the geophysical mapping phase of the Southern California Blight. Because of how California’s sea levels have changed between 15,000-8,000 years ago, it has been suggested that there are more than likely archaeological deposits in this region.  

Scientists want to  understand the history behind the region not only because of the chance that they will be able to answer the big question of Northern American history, but also to understand the changes that have happened since this time and during it. When they are able to explain the changes that have happened for the past 15,000 year, they could possibly predict future changes.

This will be extremely useful especially in a place like California which faces many natural, unforeseeable events.

When studying these submerged landscapes, with the help of previous research, several geological surveys will be trialed. They used controlled source electromagnetic technology or CSEM, which is not typical of ocean exploration.  It will allow them to study tectonic activity, sea-level rise, habitat and biodiversity shifts, marine sedimentation rates, and landscape changes such as paleochannel and watershed evolution. 

Understanding these scientific areas will allow for understanding how humans interacted with their contemporary ecosystems. 

This expedition could bring humankind one step closer to uncovering the truth.