Under the ice of Norway: scientists discovered ancient treasures due to glacial melting (photo)

In recent years, scientists have increasingly emphasized the global climate change affecting our planet. Heat waves and droughts have become more frequent, ocean levels are steadily rising, and the Earth's temperature is rising, leading to the melting of ice sheets.

As glaciers shrink, mysterious and impressive artifacts are increasingly being discovered on the surface, Science Alert writes.

Among them are ancient human remains, tools and statues - objects that attract archaeologists from all over the world to high mountain frozen areas every year. This has led to the development of a new field of science known as glacial archaeology.

Norway is at the forefront of this new field of research. According to Espen Finstad, one of the leaders of the Norwegian Secrets of Ice program, local scientists have already discovered about 4,500 artifacts, which allows Norway to claim more than half of all glacial archaeology finds in the world.

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During expeditions, archaeologists around the world collect important data on ancient industries and trade routes across glaciers. This year, experts note that the current season has become one of the best in the history of research.

For thousands of years, people have been traveling across the Norwegian glaciers to trade and buy and sell. Ancient trade, hunting and tourist routes connecting the Norwegian coast with the interior have existed since the Stone Age.

Finstad notes that archaeologists have been lucky because some of these key trade routes passed through glaciers. As a result, many ancient objects remained frozen for centuries. Now, due to global warming and melting glaciers, scientists are able to uncover these "treasures".

The researchers emphasize that burning fossil fuels for energy leads to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has become the main reason for the increase in the average temperature on the planet in recent decades.

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All over the world, scientists are recording glacial melting, which releases ancient artifacts that have been stored in ice masses for centuries. Some of the items found, such as mittens, look familiar, while others are unexpected and unusual.

One of the most productive places for archaeologists is the Landbreen ice site. According to Finstad, it was an important place for travelers during the Viking Age and in the Middle Ages. Strong glacial melting in the summer of 2024 led to numerous new discoveries.

A team of archaeologists led by Finstad visited about 12 locations in the mountains, using pack horses to transport equipment and set up camp. The scientists found a large number of arrows that were previously used to hunt deer.

Interestingly, these arrows can provide important clues about ancient societies. For example, some of the arrowheads are made of river mussels, which were probably brought from remote locations, allowing researchers to draw conclusions about long-distance travel and human trade in the past.

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