The footprints were first discovered in 2019 and since then researchers have discussed the accuracy of the tools used to track their age
New dating by radiocarbon of old footprints found on the ground rich in plaster White Sands confirmed that humans stepped on North America 23,000 years ago. This discovery solves a debate of years that questioned the age of these footprints.
In 2019, they were discovered Human glue In the old clay of White Sands National Park in New Mexico (USA).
Based on radiocarbon dating from old seeds Ruppia and pollen found near the footprints, the researchers first proposed this timeline line 23,000 years.
The discovery any evidence of human presence in the Americas, suggesting that people arrived before the last ice age.
The work was the subject of severe criticism that disputed the reliability of the materials used in radiocarbon dating. Critics argued that the seeds of Ruppia And the pollen on the ground were not reliable markers for dating.
However, a new study, recently in the Science AdvancesHe moved away from the controversial materials and dated the ancient mud that wrapped the footprints with carbon.
The new analysis showed that the material is between 20,700 and 22,400 years old, consistent with the original estimate of 21,000 to 23,000 years of the seeds and pollen.
As details in total, the investigators did 55 independent radiocarbon tests with these three materials.
All analyzes produced consistent dates that precede the culture Clovis; Human traces generally considered the first in the Americas, tracked up to about 13,000 years ago.
However, the study does not answer all questions. Does not address, for example, why There are no signs of artifacts or villages left behind by those who made the footprints.
Although the issue is not addressed in the investigation, archaeologists estimate that the recovery hunters have quickly moved away from the trail of the footprints, not giving them enough time to drop any resources.
