Sea-Level Change and the Viking Occupation of Skye

The impacts of future sea-level rise on the coastal zone in response to on-going global warming are of increasing concern. However, sea-level change is not a new phenomenon and is something that people occupying the coastal zone have had to cope with for millennia. Understanding how past communities were influenced by, and adapted to sea-level changes is, therefore, of great interest. Durham Geography has a strong history investigating past sea-level changes and the impacts of sea-level change on coastal zones. The specific research project proposed here forms part of a broader project led by colleagues from Edinburgh University investigating ancient harbours throughout NW Europe. This particular project investigates the history of human occupation on the Rhubh an Dùnain Peninsula on Skye and relative sea-level changes. In particular we are interested in the evolution of a sheltered natural harbour linked to sea-level rise, and the subsequent manipulation and development of the harbour by early human communities (Viking – Bronze Age occupation). There is evidence that the natural stream connecting a small loch (Loch na h’Àirde) to the sea has been deepened. One suggestion is that this was to allow boat access to the loch to act as a sheltered harbour. Coring of the loch will provide information on past sea-level changes and also the impact of human manipulation of the connection between the loch and the sea. Ground survey of the surrounding area will provide further evidence of human occupation of the area.

The project will involve further fieldwork to Skye during the summer 2015 to survey field evidence of human occupation and also collect further sediment cores to investigate past changes in sea level. The cores will be used in preliminary laboratory work to assess the sea-level history of the site and how this might relate to Viking occupation and manipulation of the loch. Both stages will provide the student with experience of working as part of a larger, collaborative research group highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Geography. They will also provide specific research skills such as field investigation and research design to address a specific research question and also provide an opportunity for the student to develop advanced laboratory skills in collaboration with the research group.