‘Corpse Point’ In the Arctic Is Melting, Disturbing Centuries-Old Bodies
The remains of whalers buried centuries ago in the Arctic are melting out of their graves due to climate change. A study highlights the physical toll of whaling on these sailors and emphasizes the urgent need to preserve cultural heritage as global temperatures rise. The research reveals significant degradation of burial sites, particularly at 'Corpse Point' in Svalbard, Norway.
- ▪The bones of long-dead whalers are being exposed due to human-driven climate change.
- ▪Researchers found significant degradation of burials at the Likneset site since the 1970s.
- ▪Many whalers suffered from chronic physical trauma and scurvy, with most dying in their 20s or early 30s.
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Welcome back to the Abstract! Here are the studies this week that felt the heat, left their mark, survived a cataclysm, and watched cows watch TV.First, the bones of long-dead whalers are spilling out their Arctic graves due to human-driven climate change. Then: a trip to “where the snakes lost life,” an ur-moon in the ashes, and the facial recognition abilities of cows.As always, for more of my work, check out my book First Contact: The Story of Our Obsession with Aliens or subscribe to my personal newsletter the BeX Files.The thaw at “Corpse Point”Loktu, Lise, and Brødholt, Elin Therese.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at 404 Media.
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