The Baltic Sea and Ladoga Lake transgressions and early human migrations in North-western Russia

摘要

Newly obtained pollen and diatom data controlled by radiocarbon measurements shed new light on the connection of the Ladoga Lake with the Baltic Sea via a strait on the Karelian Isthmus. It emerged ca. 11,500 cal BP, and remained in action for ca. 7000 years, forming a major waterway for early human migrations. The transgression of the Ladoga Lake started ca. 5000 cal BP and reached its maximum ca. 3000 cal BP (ca. 1100-1000 cal BC). The formation of a new outlet via the Neva River led to a rapid regression of the lake that stimulated the spread of farming populations.