08 February 2024

Mesolithic Catastrophe: The Impact of the Storegga Slide Tsunami on the Mesolitic population of Britain

Talk by Dr Clive Waddingham

Organised by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Prehistoric Society. Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. For joining online, see the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland website. Free.

Around 6,175 cal BC Britain was irrevocably impacted upon by what is probably the largest marine megaslaide tsunami so far recovered on the planet. This event, combined with the climatic cold period or ‘neoglacial’ within which it occurred known as the ‘8.2 kyr event’, had significant effects on both the landscape, seascape as well as the human population of much of Britain. This paper will explore these events and their impact on the Mesolithic population with specific reference to several sites, including Howick and Low Hauxley, as case studies. 

The lecture will be presented by Dr Clive Waddington FSA MCIfA FSAScot. Clive is a well-known archaeologist with a long career as both an academic, consultant and founder of Archaeological research Services Ltd. His specialist interests include the Mesolithic and Neolithic, landscape archaeology, technique development, lithics, coastal archaeology and prehistoric rock art. He has worked for commercial archaeological units, English Heritage, as both an Adult Education and University lecturer at the University of Newcastle and has appeared regularly on television and radio.