Human Response to Postglacial Sea Level Change in Jomon Prehistoric Sites Around Lake Ogawara, Northern Japan

Jomon populations in northern Japan adapted dynamically to postglacial sea-level changes, sustaining their culture through shifts in settlement and resource exploitation. The study reveals that rising sea levels between 10–8 ka created favorable shellfish habitats along Lake Ogawara's shores, prompting the formation of shell middens. As water shallowed after 7 ka, human habitation moved to southern shores where tidal flats persisted. By 5–4 ka, reduced salinity expanded freshwater wetlands, leading Jomon people to exploit brackish clams or relocate northward. This research demonstrates how geomorphological changes influenced human adaptation, offering insights into the resilience of prehistoric societies.

Sato, Y., Ono, E., Koiwa, N., Toizumi, T., Kudo, T., Saito, Y., & Takahashi, M. (2026). Human Response to Postglacial Sea Level Change in Jomon Prehistoric Sites Around Lake Ogawara, Northern Japan. Geoarchaeology, 41(3). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.70061