Did a comet or the first humans impact fire systems in North America?

Project: Research

Project Details

Description

This research describes the nature and timing of dramatic paleo-environmental changes that occurred on the California Channel Islands of during the latest Pleistocene (from 25,000 years ago). The hypothesis that deforestation of the islands, fluvial aggradation, landsliding, and widespread burning were synchronous events caused by a mega-fire event or a closely space series of severe events – perhaps associated with the arrival of the first humans and the extinction of mammoths will be tested. Other mechanisms, including gradual climate change, gradual climate-driven increases in fire frequency, ecosystem reduction due to sea-level rise, and an impact event also will be tested.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/01/1331/12/14

Funding

  • Leverhulme Trust: £20,450.00

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 13 - Climate Action