Secrets of the Ice

Archaeological artefacts that have been hidden deep within the ice of the Norwegian mountains for the past 7000 years have been melting out. The rapid change in the glaciers and ice patches of Norway in the past 20 years have given archaeologist a unique opportunity to study a new context and landscape. We established the Glacial archaeology program to rescue this knowledge. It is known to the public as Secrets of the Ice. The key themes of our work that will be presented are: Unprecedented Preservation: The cold conditions in ice can perfectly preserve organic materials, providing invaluable insights into past technology and human activity. Climate change: As ice melt due to climate change, new sites are uncovered, prompting both excitement and concern about what we might lose in the future. Interdisciplinary Approach: The field combines archaeology, biology, and climate sciences, showcasing how diverse expertise can contribute to understanding our history. Public dissemination: The rapidly disappearing ice and recovery of lost artefacts is a tangible story to inform the public about how the changing climate really is different now than in the past thousands of years. Overall, our work underscores the urgency of studying these sites before they vanish, while also reflecting on our relationship with the environment and the impact of climate change.

Julian Post-Melbye is an archaeologist at the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo. He has been working on the Glacial Archaeology Program since 2011. Within the program he is the main artefact expert. For the past decade he has also been leading archaeological excavations related to hunting, transportation and outfield resources in the Norwegian valleys and mountains.

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