Climate Volatility and Human Adaptation in the Eastern Arctic

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between climate volatility and human occupation in the Eastern Arctic, focusing on three key regions: Greenland, Ellesmere Island, and Baffin Island. Using paleoclimatic data from ice cores and sea surface temperature reconstructions, this study applies rolling standard deviations to measure climate volatility. These data are then overlaid with radiocarbon-dated archaeological sites to assess how fluctuations in climate influenced cultural transitions and subsistence strategies across different Arctic populations, including the Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultures. The findings reveal that periods of heightened climate volatility often corresponded with significant shifts in settlement patterns and resource exploitation strategies. The Thule culture thrived during periods of relatively volatile conditions of the Little Ice Age, while the Dorset culture faced increasing challenges as climate conditions became more volatile, contributing to their decline. The earlier Pre-Dorset and Saqqaq cultures demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of climatic fluctuations, suggesting a high degree of adaptability to environmental changes. This research provides critical insights into how past Arctic populations responded to periods of environmental stress, highlighting the importance of flexibility, technological innovation, and resource diversification in their survival. By drawing on paleoclimatic data and archaeological evidence, this study contributes to broader anthropological discussions on human adaptation to climate change and offers valuable lessons for contemporary communities facing similar challenges in the modern Arctic.