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Harnessing Paleohydrologic Modeling to Solve a Prehistoric Mystery
Yehuda Levy1, Nigel A Goring-Morris2, Yoseph Yechieli3,4
1Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel. yehuda.levy1@mail.huji.ac.il.
Scientific Reports
|November 10, 2019
Summary
Ancient Jordan Valley settlements thrived due to past abundant groundwater discharge, despite current arid conditions. This research explains early human migration and the agricultural revolution
Area of Science:
- Paleohydrology
- Archaeology
- Quaternary Geology
Background:
- Epipaleolithic and Neolithic sites in the lower Jordan Valley present a paradox: evidence of significant human settlement despite a lack of apparent local water resources.
- This region is crucial for understanding the transition from mobile hunter-gatherer lifestyles to sedentary agricultural societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hydrological conditions that supported early human settlements in the lower Jordan Valley during a critical period of human evolution.
- To resolve the apparent contradiction between arid modern conditions and past evidence of life at these key archaeological sites.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a numerical hydrological model.
- Simulation of groundwater flow within the Eastern Aquifer of the Judea and Samaria Mountains.
- Reconstruction of paleohydrological conditions during the transition from the last glacial to the current interglacial period.
Main Results:
- The hydrological model successfully simulated past groundwater flow regimes in the Eastern Aquifer.
- Evidence indicates significantly larger groundwater discharge at the studied sites during past climatic conditions.
- These findings explain the presence of early human settlements in an area currently lacking surface water.
Conclusions:
- Past hydrological conditions, specifically increased groundwater discharge, were essential for supporting Epipaleolithic and Neolithic populations in the lower Jordan Valley.
- The study resolves a long-standing archaeological and environmental riddle concerning early human adaptation and the development of agriculture.
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