Ice Age Hunting Structures Found Beneath Lake Huron

Archaeological structures dating to about 9,000 years ago have been identified beneath Lake Huron in North America. The sites belong to the Paleoindian and early Archaic periods and lie on the Alpena-Amberley Ridge, a former land bridge between north-east Michigan and southern Ontario during the last Ice Age.

Underwater archaeology in the Great Lakes

Underwater archaeology studies human activity preserved below lakes, seas, and rivers. Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and contains cold, deep, low-oxygen waters that can preserve organic and stone remains for long periods. The Great Lakes basin has produced submerged evidence of prehistoric settlement and hunting activity.

Alpena-Amberley Ridge and hunting structures

The Alpena-Amberley Ridge was exposed when lake levels were lower during the Ice Age. The ridge contains caribou-hunting features such as drive lanes, hunting blinds, and stone caches used for tool-making. One site, known as Drop 45 Drive Lane, lies about 120 to 121 feet below the surface south-east of Alpena, Michigan.

Research methods and artefacts

Researchers from the University of Michigan first identified archaeological evidence beneath Lake Huron in 2008 and 2009. The team included archaeologist John O’Shea and Guy Meadows. More than 80 locations with stone constructions have been identified, and findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Important Facts for Exams

• Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America.
• The Paleoindian period is the earliest known cultural phase in the Americas after human settlement.
• Obsidian is a volcanic glass used for sharp-edged stone tools in prehistoric societies.
• Caribou hunting features often include drive lanes and blinds in Arctic and sub-Arctic archaeology.

Material evidence and trade links

Artefacts from the sites include chipped stone tools made from non-local materials. Some obsidian has been traced to Oregon, which provides evidence of long-distance prehistoric exchange networks in North America.