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Myths Help Geologists Understand Modern Threats

morleron writes "According to a report in the "Guardian Unlimited" geologists have begun using ancient myths as clues to geologic events in Earth's past. Among other things scientists have followed the tracks of ancient stories to uncover the huge Seattle earthquake and tsunami that obliterated large parts of the coasts of Washington and Oregon roughly 300 years ago; the discovery that a volcano on Fiji is active instead of dormant as has been thought for years; and that the Biblical and Near Eastern myths of a world ending flood are probably based on the sudden inundation of the Black Sea when the landbridge that used to link Turkey with Europe - what is now called the Bosporus - suddenly collapsed some 7600 years ago. It's amazing how much information our ancestors passed on in oral and early written myths...we're finally getting smart enough to listen."

7 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. So what I want to know is by suitepotato · · Score: 2, Funny

    have they found the place that the Earth makes contact with that giant turtle it is supposed to be sitting?

    --
    If my grammar and spelling are off, I am [distracted/tired/careless] (take your pick)
  2. Eve and the apple by Kyeetza · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's only a matter of time before they pin original sin on women cause of Eve's apple eating incident. Oh Damn..... Catholic Church beat me to the AGAIN! Somebody call Kansas before they find out about the monkeys.

  3. It's not all on us... by centauri · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yeah, it's great that "we're finally getting smart enough." Why weren't the people who came up with the "myths" in the first place smart enough to write them literally, instead of making up stuff about thunderbirds and killer rocks?

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    Don't blame me, I voted for Durga.
  4. Yet again... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Yet again modern science bitchslaps the bible. Suck it, Jesus!

  5. Alien contact? by Darth_Mehal · · Score: 5, Funny

    I look forward to finding out that the Greek Gods were aliens with advanced Quantum Technology (read Ilium by Dan Simmons for that interesting diversion) Actually, isn't there a Star Trek ep based off this?

  6. Re:It can just finally be proven scientifically by Savantissimo · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, we got hobbits, anyway, so there's some progress.

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    "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?" - Patrick Henry
  7. Re:"Ancient" myths? by meringuoid · · Score: 5, Funny
    300 years is "ancient"? Really??

    A wise man once say: the Americans think a hundred years is a long time, but the English think a hundred miles is a long drive.

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    Real Daleks don't climb stairs - they level the building.