The flooding of the Persian/Arabian Gulf basin, which occurred relatively rapidly (~8,000ka, IIRC), seems a good candidate to me as the earliest basis for the Sumerian flood story.
In fact, it's quite possible the Sumer folk were from that basin, prior to being chased out of it by the rising waters, to arrive eventually around the mouth of the Tigris/Euphrates, when the water stopped following them. Such an event would make a serious impression, I think.
Or it could just be about bad seasonal floods on the Tigris & Euphrates
That pre-flood basin sounds like it was rather verdant; a nice place, with many lakes, streams, and springs. Apparently it contrasted sharply with surrounding arid regions at the end of the last glacial period. It might have also made a lasting impression. Maybe.
The flooding of the Persian/Arabian Gulf basin, which occurred relatively rapidly (~8,000ka, IIRC), seems a good candidate to me as the earliest basis for the Sumerian flood story.
In fact, it's quite possible the Sumer folk were from that basin, prior to being chased out of it by the rising waters, to arrive eventually around the mouth of the Tigris/Euphrates, when the water stopped following them. Such an event would make a serious impression, I think.
Or it could just be about bad seasonal floods on the Tigris & Euphrates
That pre-flood basin sounds like it was rather verdant; a nice place, with many lakes, streams, and springs. Apparently it contrasted sharply with surrounding arid regions at the end of the last glacial period. It might have also made a lasting impression. Maybe.