Rediscovering the Lost World of Doggerland

Imagine a vast, forested landscape stretching across what is now the North Sea, serving as a vital land bridge between Britain and mainland Europe during the last Ice Age. This is Doggerland, a now-submerged territory that has fascinated archaeologists and paleontologists for decades. Recent breakthroughs in sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) analysis have painted a vivid picture of its environment, challenging long-held assumptions about when and how forests took root there.

Funded by the European Research Council through the Europe’s Lost Frontiers project, a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that temperate forests flourished in Doggerland over 16,000 years ago—thousands of years earlier than previously believed. Led by researchers from the University of Warwick, this discovery not only rewrites the paleoecological history of northwestern Europe but also sheds light on potential human habitation and migration patterns.

What Was Doggerland?

Doggerland refers to the now-submerged landmass that connected Britain to continental Europe until rising sea levels following the last Ice Age flooded it around 8,000 to 7,000 years ago. Spanning approximately 43,000 square kilometers at its peak, it featured rivers, hills, marshes, and—according to traditional views—mostly tundra-like vegetation during the glacial maximum. However, pollen records from surrounding areas suggested forests arrived much later, around 11,000 years ago.

The Europe’s Lost Frontiers project, involving multidisciplinary teams from universities like Warwick and Bradford, has mapped this terrain using seismic data, computer modeling, and now advanced DNA techniques. This land bridge wasn't just a pathway; it was a dynamic ecosystem that influenced the settlement of northern Europe.

The Power of Sedimentary Ancient DNA (sedaDNA)

Sedimentary ancient DNA, or sedaDNA, is genetic material preserved in ocean floor sediments, offering a window into past ecosystems without relying on fossils or pollen, which can be biased or absent. The PNAS study analyzed 252 samples from 41 marine cores along the prehistoric Southern River in southern Doggerland, generating 4.7 billion sequencing reads.

Researchers developed a novel taphonomic model to distinguish 'secure' local DNA signals (95-98% from fine silts and sands) from 'insecure' reworked ones (60-70% influx in coarse sediments). Using shotgun sequencing, the Phylogenetic Independent Assignment (PIA) algorithm, and ancient damage patterns (e.g., C-to-T misincorporations), they achieved high taxonomic accuracy. Chronology was established with 178 radiocarbon and 139 optically stimulated luminescence dates.

Key Findings: Forests 16,000 Years Ago

The study uncovered evidence of temperate woodlands in the Late Pleniglacial period (>16,000 years ago), including oak (Quercus), elm (Ulmus), hazel (Corylus), and alder (Alnus). Lime trees (Tilia), indicators of warmer conditions, appeared during the Allerød interstadial (13.9-12.9 ka), predating British records by millennia.

Biodiversity peaked around 11 ka with 56 plant guilds identified via co-occurrence correlations, then declined post-inundation. Forest fauna like wild boar were present early, suggesting a rich habitat. Simpson’s diversity index confirmed ecological shifts mirroring northern hemisphere trends.Explore research positions in paleoecology at European universities.

The Mystery of Pterocarya: An Extinct Relict?

A standout discovery was DNA from Pterocarya, a walnut relative extinct in northwestern Europe since the Hoxnian interglacial (~400 ka). Phylogenetic analysis placed it in a clade with Asian species, with 100% bootstrap support and ancient damage signatures matching co-occurring trees. This secure signal in fine sediments implies relict populations survived in microrefugia.

Such findings highlight Doggerland's role as a cryptic refuge, preserving thermophilic species through harsh conditions like the Younger Dryas (12.9-11.7 ka), where only willow (Salix) persisted.

Implications for Human Migration and Mesolithic Life

Doggerland's habitable forests likely supported early Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, predating the Maglemosian culture (~10.3 ka). Professor Robin Allaby notes: “This is the best evidence that Doggerland’s wooded environment could have supported early Mesolithic communities prior to flooding.”

The landscape offered resources like boar, bear, and European terrapin during warmer phases, drawing Upper Paleolithic groups (e.g., Ahrensburgian). Post-Storegga tsunami (~8.15 ka), parts remained emergent until ~7 ka, facilitating recolonization of Britain and Europe. This resolves why Mesolithic artifacts are scarce on mainland Britain—many may lie submerged.Discover higher ed opportunities across Europe.

Environmental Shifts and Submergence Timeline

From willow woodlands to marshy grasslands by early Holocene, then marine seagrass (Zostera) post-9 ka. Inundation was heterogeneous: onset ~9-8.5 ka, final ~5.19 ka. Figures show guild profiles, biodiversity peaks at 11 ka, and coastline reconstructions at 18 ka, 10 ka, 8 ka.

These shifts align with ice retreat and sea-level rise, underscoring climate's role in shaping prehistoric Europe.

Innovations in Methodology and Taphonomy

The taphonomic model—integrating sedimentology, diffusion analysis, and influx modeling—is groundbreaking, filtering secure local signals. Triple database sequencing and PIA enhanced accuracy (96%). This sets benchmarks for marine sedaDNA studies.Europe’s Lost Frontiers project site.

Expert Perspectives and Broader Context

Professor Vincent Gaffney (Bradford): “Doggerland was not only a heartland of early human settlement but also a refuge for plants and animals.” The study addresses Reid’s Paradox: rapid post-glacial tree spread via northern microrefugia.

Previous works like Coles (1998) noted forests, but timelines were vague. This PNAS paper (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2508402123) provides definitive evidence.

Future Research and Preservation Challenges

Upcoming work may target human aDNA and offshore surveys. Wind farm expansions threaten sites; calls for protection grow. For academics, this opens doors in archaeogenetics and climate modeling.View higher ed jobs in archaeology and genetics.

Projects like Lost Frontiers benchmark submerged landscape studies, vital amid rising seas today.

Photo by Seval Torun on Unsplash

The Lasting Legacy of Doggerland

Doggerland's story reminds us of dynamic prehistoric Europe, urging preservation and interdisciplinary research. Aspiring researchers can explore roles via university jobs, research positions, or career advice. Share insights in comments below.