Sediments reveal secrets from before the Great Barrier Reef was underwater
Tens of thousands of years ago, the Great Barrier Reef was above water. Whether it was grassland, rainforest, or mangrove swamp is something researchers and Indigenous rangers are trying to uncover.
Researchers and Indigenous rangers are using sediment samples from the Great Barrier Reef as time capsules to reconstruct the area's past. The sediment, collected during a 24-day expedition on a CSIRO research ship, reveals ancient environments such as grasslands, rainforests, and mangrove swamps that existed 65,000 years ago when sea levels were significantly lower.
University of Queensland professor Helen Bostock led the expedition, which also involved Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers from the Darumbal and Woppaburra traditional owner groups. The scientists collected samples from submerged rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches, which spanned depths of 50 to 200 meters. The sediment layers, with the top layer being the most recent, contain information about grain size, chemistry, and microfossils, such as pollen, providing insights into the historical landscape.
Professor Bostock aims to create detailed maps of the submerged landscape to better understand both the cultural and environmental history of the area. The expedition also sought to integrate scientific findings with traditional knowledge to prove the validity of cultural stories and empower the younger generations to engage in similar research.
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