Signs of ancient humans found on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, with low levels of oxygen, low temperatures, strong winds and intense ultraviolet light.[Photo/Xinhua]

Archaeologists in Northwest China's Qinghai province have confirmed human activity at an altitude of 4,000 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, dating back over 10,000 years.

Archaeologists with Qinghai Normal University and Qinghai archeological research institute discovered a prehistoric ash layer in Golog Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Qinghai in 2013. On Monday, Hou Guangliang of Qinghai Normal University, confirmed that the layer is residue of human activity.

Dozens of stone tools were found at the same site, showing that prehistoric humans lived, hunted and made tools in the harsh environment over 10,000 years ago. It is the oldest evidence of human activity found above 4,000 meters on the plateau.

Hou said, the discovery is of great significance to research on how ancient humans coped in extreme environments.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, with low levels of oxygen, low temperatures, strong winds and intense ultraviolet light.