The Journal of California Anthropology

This paper considers the implications for coastal California archaeology and prehistory of sea level changes over the past 15,000 years. The discussion deals first with a generalized sea level curve, grossly applicable for North America, and suggests its use in interpreting the fact that there is little evidence of human occupation along the California coast before 5000 B.P. to 7000 B.P. More specific data regarding sea level changes in San Francisco Bay are then presented in an effort to explain several characteristics of the archaeology of that region.