Geologists realise that there's factual information in some of the oldest traditions and stories. Many of the tales can provide insight into what might have happened thousands of years ago when the ice sheets melted and give us an understanding that may save lives in the future.

Studies show that a large part of Stinson Beach near San Francisco will be under a foot of water in less than 20 years. Many think the 21st Century is the first time we faced this kind of event, but it is not.

Sea levels started to rise nearly 15,000 years ago with the end of the last ice a...

• While some conventionally trained geologists are curious about mythic stories, others don't like it, missing out on the kernels of truth embedded in the narratives.
• Literate people are also sceptical about the power of oral traditions.
• If academics don't follow good practice ...

Most Aboriginal Australian stories about the changes in landscape and way of life caused by post-glacial sea-level rise are divided into two groups.

• One story is that the bad behaviour of a man named Goonyah caused the sea to flood the land, and he organised the people to stop it.
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