Aerial view that show a swamp and lake covered in frost and ice. This image was taken in a forest close to Drammen city, Norway.

1075399918

Aerial view that show a swamp and lake covered in frost and ice. This image was taken in a forest close to Drammen city, Norway.

Photo by: Baac3nes

Baac3nes

Ice Melts in Norway to Reveal Ancient Artifacts

By: Leah Weber

Ice melting in Norway has revealed an Iron Age medieval mountain pass littered with near-perfectly preserved artifacts.

It is not news that due to global warming, ice is melting adjacent to the poles at record speeds. Mountain ice and glaciers hold history to our planet’s past, and this week archeologists published their findings. A treasure trove of artifacts circa 300-1500 AD, with peak activity in 1000 AD, were found in Scandinavia.

Permafrost at high elevations just over 200 miles north of Oslo, Norway, continues to melt due to global climate change, and that is where the emerging field of Glacial Archaeology comes into play. This branch of archaeology focuses on studying sites where ice is melting rapidly and revealing clues about the comings and goings of civilizations throughout the ages.

In Central Norway, over 3,000 artifacts, including textiles, animal bones, hunting tools, and more were found nearly untouched. What is really cool about this find is that normally, Earth's elements would cause a breakdown in organic materials. And in the case of these glacial treasures, they have fought the good fight and won.

The best way to find out more about how people lived before the time of traditional record keeping is to study artifacts that may seem mundane. The 2011 discoveries specific to Lendbreen, Norway showed evidence of a Viking-era mountain pass. This information leads to a better understanding of how groups traveled throughout the Scandinavian region.

As the globe continues to warm, ice will continue to melt, and glacial archaeology will remain at the forefront of discoveries and hidden stories revealed beneath the ice.

Next Up

Year in Review: Nature in Focus Adventures

For many years I've looked back on the year in review and thought about all of the incredible adventures I've experienced and this year is no exception.

The Oldest Complete Fish Fossil was Discovered Thanks to Kung Fu

Back in 2019, three Chinese paleontologists were playfighting during a break from working in the Chongqing Province, China. One was kung-fu kicked into a rocky outcrop, causing rubble to tumble down and exposing an opening in the rock face. Inside, a spectacular fossil lay undisturbed, preserved for millions of years.

An Amazonian Tree Sought Refuge with the Norwegian Embassy

When an employee at the Norwegian Embassy in Brazil opened the door to step outside the consulate’s building one morning, an unusual visitor was waiting outside who wished to seek asylum: a 19 foot-tall endangered Jatoba tree.

Clear Skies During Lockdown is a Pandemic Upside

With almost all of the world under lockdown, cars are off the roads and the smog is disappearing in some of the planet’s most polluted atmospheres.

Baby Raptor Fossil Found in Alaska

Over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, paleontologists found baby velociraptor fossils with big implications.

Wild Animals Explore City Streets Amid Pandemic

In 2020 anything is possible, and the animals are taking back the streets.

Fossils Found Under Greenland’s Ice Sheet

Leaf and twig fossils are discovered to be “perfectly preserved” under Greenland’s ice sheet, fascinating scientists and leading to further discovery.

'Ice Volcanoes’ Burst Along Lake Michigan

Past due! Lake Michigan’s winter wonders came a bit late this year. Do we blame climate change for this?

America's Top 6 Wildflower Blooms

There is just a small window to view wildflowers, with most only popping up for a couple of months at a time. This year, we're bringing these stunning blooms to you.

Locust Swarms Plague India

With New Delhi, India on high alert after a nearby swarm of locusts, this terrifying natural phenomenon is enabled by ever-changing climate conditions and unique species behaviors.