Underground water dominates the migration of human ancestors in East Africa

A new study shows that underground spring water is necessary for the movement of the original human ancestors in East Africa.

Accordingly, underground spring water could pave the way for the migration of local populations, encouraging the genetic diversity of human ancestors in East Africa in the past.

Specifically, Cardiff University Wales researchers have pointed out the impact of climate change on water resources in East Africa in the past has caused the first human species in this region to leave from about 2 million - 1.8 million years ago.

Because the African monsoon has weakened in a 23,000 year cycle. During this time, rainfall is very small, leading to extremely scarce water resources. These groundwater sources may be the only lifeline for humans during this period.

Mark Cuthbert, a researcher at Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, said: "We see that geology is really important in controlling the amount of precipitation stored in the ground during wet periods. springs show that many underground streams can still flow during the dry period and it acts as a buffer against climate change . "

Cuthbert said: "So we begin to see that not only climate but also geology helps control the existence of water and the surrounding landscape is the catalyst for change in Africa."

Researchers publish their maps and related data in Nature Communications.

The new map of the group shows that the migration routes lie between underground spring springs of different springs.

Matthew Bennett, a researcher from Bournemouth University, said: " Through mapping, we have found current routes that our ancestors could walk along this water source to another. This is an important clue to a deeper understanding of ancient people migrating across the African continent, from one source to another, and this can have a profound effect on differentiation. , mixing genetic flow '.