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The Oceanographic Context

The West Pacific Warm Pool and the Evolution of Maritime Skills and Technologies in the Spice Islands

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Oceanic Migration

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Abstract

This chapter explores changing oceanographic conditions within the West Pacific Warm Pool from the Ice Age to the Holocene. We argue that Spice Island maritime history is linked to the tectonic and oceanographic history of the WPWP. Its high sea surface temperatures offered Spice Island mariners some protection against hypothermia over short distances in the Ice Age. In the mid-Holocene the strategy of following powerful warm currents flowing out of the WPWP gave Spice Island mariners some protection against hypothermia in ocean waters far outside the Pool and further reduced the risk of hypothermia by ensuring fast passages over long distances. This protection supported the Spice Islanders’ eventual development of transoceanic exploration, trading and migration in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Prof. Charles E.M. Pearce

  2. P.O.Box 520, Montacute, SA, 5134, Australia

    F.M. Pearce

Authors
  1. Prof. Charles E.M. Pearce
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  2. F.M. Pearce
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Correspondence to Charles E.M. Pearce .

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Pearce, C.E., Pearce, F. (2010). The Oceanographic Context. In: Oceanic Migration. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3826-5_3

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