Part 6/10:
While the catastrophic flood theory has gained traction, alternative hypotheses explore the gradual filling of the Black Sea with saline water from surrounding seas, notably the Caspian Sea. This theory suggests that as the climate warmed and glacial periods ended, massive volumes of water would have gradually filled the Black Sea, introducing saltwater species over time while maintaining a mixed ecosystem.
The debate between these theories continues, with ongoing archaeological and geological research aimed at validating or refuting various aspects. The presence of submerged ancient riverbeds within the Black Sea supports the notion that humans once flourished in these now-submerged shores, leaving behind traces that archaeologists are still working to uncover.