Early human settlement of Sahul was not an accident

The first peopling of Sahul (Australia, New Guinea and the Aru Islands joined at lower sea levels) by anatomically modern humans required multiple maritime crossings through Wallacea, with at least one approaching 100 km. Whether these crossings were accidental or intentional is unknown. Using coastal-viewshed analysis and ocean drift modelling combined with population projections, we show that the probability of randomly reaching Sahul by any route is <5% until ≥40 adults are ‘washed off’ an island at least once every 20 years. We then demonstrate that choosing a time of departure and making minimal headway (0.5 knots) toward a destination greatly increases the likelihood of arrival. While drift modelling demonstrates the existence of ‘bottleneck’ crossings on all routes, arrival via New Guinea is more likely than via northwestern Australia. We conclude that anatomically modern humans had the capacity to plan and make open-sea voyages lasting several days by at least 50,000 years ago

The impact of human activities on dolines (sinkholes): Typical geomorphologic features on Karst (Slovenia) and possibilities of their preservation

This paper focuses on dolines, one of the main geomorphologic features on Karst (Slovenia). Dolines are a dominant surface feature and also a main source of fertile soil on Karst. Consequently they represent a significant element of the Karst landscape and an important part of traditional agricultural land use. Negative impacts due to rapid economic development in the last decade are affecting Karst seriously, mostly by degradation of typical landscape features. The main purpose of our work was to document the current extent of damage caused on dolines and consequently on Karst landscape. The paper discusses the gravity of the problem and points out the insufficiency of current legislation concerning landscape protection. Based on the research results the paper comments on possible consequences if the degradation process continues.