Experimental Voyage Demonstrates Prehistoric Ocean Crossing Feasibility

Introduction

Human species originated in Africa approximately 300,000 years ago and subsequently migrated worldwide, overcoming significant geographic barriers including vast ocean expanses. This report examines a recent scientific expedition that experimentally retraced a prehistoric sea voyage across the East China Sea, highlighting its relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Expedition Overview

1. Route and Vessel Construction
   • The voyage covered approximately 140 miles (225 km) from Ushibi, eastern Taiwan, to Yonaguni Island, Japan.
   • A dugout canoe named Sugime, measuring 25 feet (7.5 meters), was constructed using replicas of Paleolithic tools such as an axe and an adze.
   • The canoe was fashioned from a Japanese cedar tree sourced from Japan’s Noto Peninsula, demonstrating sustainable use of natural resources in line with SDG 15 (Life on Land).
2. Crew and Navigation
   • The crew consisted of four men and one woman who paddled for over 45 hours.
   • Navigation techniques employed included observation of the sun, stars, and ocean swells, replicating prehistoric methods.
   • Two escort craft accompanied the canoe for safety.
3. Challenges Encountered
   • The crew contended with the Kuroshio current, one of the world’s strongest ocean currents, comparable to the Gulf Stream.
   • Extreme fatigue necessitated breaks during the voyage, with the canoe drifting at sea before reaching Yonaguni safely.

Scientific and Historical Significance

• Previous attempts using reed and bamboo rafts failed due to insufficient durability and inability to overcome strong currents.
• The successful voyage supports archaeological evidence indicating human migration to the Ryukyu Islands approximately 30,000 years ago.
• The study, led by University of Tokyo anthropologist Yousuke Kaifu and published in Science Advances, emphasizes the skill and experience required by Paleolithic people to navigate and survive such journeys.
• This research builds upon and refines earlier experimental voyages such as the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition, utilizing improved archaeological and oceanographic data.

Oceanographic Simulations and Environmental Context

• A companion study conducted simulations of paleo-ocean conditions, confirming the feasibility of crossing the Kuroshio current 30,000 years ago despite its greater strength at that time.
• Physical oceanographer Yu-Lin Chang highlighted the variability and unpredictability of ancient ocean conditions, which posed significant risks to prehistoric voyagers.
• This aspect of the research contributes to SDG 13 by enhancing understanding of historical climate and ocean dynamics.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The project demonstrates innovative use of traditional technologies and experimental archaeology to reconstruct ancient human capabilities.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Paleo-oceanographic modeling informs understanding of historical climate variability and its impact on human migration.
• SDG 14 – Life Below Water: The study underscores the importance of ocean currents and marine environments in shaping human history and migration patterns.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Sustainable harvesting of natural resources, such as the Japanese cedar, reflects responsible interaction with terrestrial ecosystems.

Conclusion

The experimental voyage across the East China Sea provides compelling evidence that Paleolithic humans possessed the necessary skills and technology to undertake significant ocean crossings despite formidable natural challenges. This research enriches scientific understanding of early human migration and highlights the interconnectedness of human history with environmental and oceanographic factors, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article highlights scientific research and experimental voyages that contribute to understanding human history and prehistoric technology, which aligns with promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The construction of the dugout canoe using replicas of Paleolithic tools and the use of paleo-ocean model simulations demonstrate innovation and the development of sustainable technologies inspired by historical methods.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The study involves crossing the East China Sea and understanding ocean currents like the Kuroshio, which relates to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses paleo-ocean conditions and variable weather patterns 30,000 years ago, which relates to understanding climate variability and its impact on human activities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and global citizenship.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and encourage innovation.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. SDG 4 – Target 4.7 Indicator:
   • Number of research studies and educational projects promoting knowledge about human history and sustainable development (implied through the experimental voyage and scientific publications).
2. SDG 9 – Target 9.5 Indicator:
   • Number of scientific experiments and technological innovations developed to understand prehistoric human capabilities (implied by the construction of the dugout canoe and use of paleo-ocean simulations).
3. SDG 14 – Target 14.2 Indicator:
   • Measurements of ocean current strength and variability (e.g., Kuroshio current data) to assess marine ecosystem conditions (implied by the oceanographic simulations and voyage conditions).
4. SDG 13 – Target 13.1 Indicator:
   • Data on historical climate variability and ocean conditions affecting human migration and resilience (implied by paleo-ocean model simulations and weather variability mentioned).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: straitstimes.com