The Baltic Sea and Ladoga Lake transgressions and early human migrations in North-western Russia

Newly obtained pollen and diatom data controlled by radiocarbon measurements shed new light on the connection of the Ladoga Lake with the Baltic Sea via a strait on the Karelian Isthmus. It emerged ca. 11,500 cal BP, and remained in action for ca. 7000 years, forming a major waterway for early human migrations. The transgression of the Ladoga Lake started ca. 5000 cal BP and reached its maximum ca. 3000 cal BP (ca. 1100–1000 cal BC). The formation of a new outlet via the Neva River led to a rapid regression of the lake that stimulated the spread of farming populations.