In Mexico’s underwater caves, a glimpse of artifacts, fossils and human remains
The underwater caves of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula are crucial archaeological sites, preserving ancient artifacts, human remains, and extinct megafauna fossils, revealing insights into early human life and prehistoric ecosystems.
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The underwater caves of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula serve as significant archaeological and paleontological sites, preserving artifacts, fossils, and human remains from ancient civilizations and extinct megafauna. These cenotes, formed by a massive underground aquifer, were crucial to the Maya civilization, providing water and serving as sacred sites for rituals. Evidence suggests human presence in the area dates back over 13,000 years, challenging previous theories about early human migration into the Americas. Divers exploring these caves often encounter remains of high-ranking Maya individuals, including skulls with intentional deformities, as well as ancient cave paintings depicting various aspects of Maya life. The caves also contain fossils of large prehistoric animals, such as giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats, which sought water in these now-submerged environments. The relationship between cave divers and scientists is vital for uncovering these historical treasures, as many secrets of the past remain hidden within the depths of these underwater time capsules. Ongoing exploration may yield further insights into the lives of early humans and the ecosystems of the Pleistocene era.
- The Yucatán cenotes are vital archaeological sites, preserving Maya artifacts and human remains.
- Evidence of human presence in the region dates back over 13,000 years, challenging migration theories.
- The caves contain fossils of extinct megafauna, providing insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
- Divers and scientists collaborate to explore and study the hidden treasures within these underwater caves.
- Ongoing research may uncover more about early human life and extinct species in the region.
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- Many commenters recommend visiting cenotes for their unique beauty and experience, with some suggesting cave diving for a more technical adventure.
- There is a discussion about the challenges faced in underwater archaeology, particularly the need for skilled cavers to access hidden prehistoric materials.
- Commenters express fascination with the ancient artifacts and fossils found in the caves, including extinct megafauna and evidence of early human life.
- Several comments highlight the impressive photography of the underwater caves, showcasing their stunning visuals.
- Some commenters draw parallels between the caves and potential subsurface environments on other celestial bodies, like Mars and Europa.
11 comments> There’s a symbiotic relationship between the passionate and technical cave explorers who investigate every hole in a cave in their free time (and just for fun) and those in the scientific community who want to study these prehistoric materials but cannot reach where they’re hidden in the underwater darkness.
The lack of cavers in general is becoming a bigger and bigger problem in archaeology and paleoanthropology. Since a lot of archaic human species were quite a bit smaller, they managed to make very elaborate caves their home that are hard for the average adult to navigate. Underwater archaeology is still in its infancy so the training isn't explicitly part of anyone's education.
Last year there was a story [1] on the front page about research into Homo naledi in the Rising Star Cave [2] that was only made possible because they were able to find six petite paleoanthropologists cavers who were able to fit through a "vertically oriented 'chimney' or 'chute' measuring 12 m (39 ft) long with an average width of 20 cm (7.9 in)" to the Dinaledi room in the back of the cave. They found 1,500 human bones there and still have a lot left to excavate.
Are there any images of this?
66,000,000: the cataclysmic impact of the Chicxulub asteroid
66,000,000: end of the dinosaur age
66,000,000: mammals began to dominate the lands once ruled by dinosaurs.
27,000,000: formation of the Panamanian land bridge
27,000,000: Great American Biotic Interchange.
00,200,000: fossilized shell of a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) perished in the cave
00,025,000: first Homo sapiens crossed into America over the Bering Land Bridge at least
00,013,000: evidence found in the cenotes points to human settlements
00,013,000: first Homo sapiens arrived on the Yucatán Peninsula at the end of the last ice age
00,013,000: end of the last ice age
00,010,000: megafauna species abrupt extinction
00,008,000: evidence of paleoart
00,008,000: last time the shallow caves on the Yucatán Peninsula flooded
00,004,000: The Maya established their civilization on the Yucatán PeninsulaIf there was also an HN flame war about RTO vs. WFH down there I might never leave.
It's unfortunate DNA doesn't preserve well in humid environments. Those many bones could provide a lot of genetic information otherwise.
Optimistic case is you have to swim straightforward, completely blind, while not panicking, in the dark, using just whatever guide wire/rope you set on your way in. Oh and the water is probably nipple-freezing hard.
I'm a purveyor of extreme sports but nope, I'll leave this to the UUVs. Nope on a rope.
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