Search

Sea-level rise was a key factor changing environments during the Early Holocene in Northwest Europe. It affected Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities by inundating large areas in the current North Sea, commonly referred to as Doggerland. In this paper we present novel inundation models for the southern North Sea providing visualisations of lateral inundation driven by sea-level rise and relate it to frequency analysis of radiocarbon dates from archaeological sites. These improve on previous studies that relied on bathymetric data, which includes post-inundation overprints of Holocene sedimentation and erosion, and thus significantly underestimates the timing of inundation in some areas. We constructed a paleoDEM (a composite elevation grid of the top of the Pleistocene) for the eastern part of the southern North Sea; and sea level surfaces that combine relative sea-level curves from glacio-isostatic adjustment models optimised for Britain and southern Scandinavia respectively. We corrected our paleoDEMs for tectonic background basin subsidence, and in the inundation modelling account for pre-compaction elevation of peat in coastal areas. We evaluated the impact of these model components on our results and describe the possible inundation history of Doggerland. We suggest earlier inundation than predicted by previous models, showing significant area loss around 10.5–10 ka cal BP. Palaeogeographic changes are compared with archaeological radiocarbon data using a dates-as-data approach. Composite Kernel Density Estimate and permutation tested Summed Probability Distributions are used as a proxy for the visibility, nature and intensity of human activity. Results indicate key periods of growth and decline recorded in the dataset, as well as regional differences in growth rate, some correlating with inundation phases. Chiefly, we find elevated growth rates around 10.5–10 ka in northwest Germany and the Netherlands, contemporaneous with the abovementioned phase of extensive area loss, and moreover, with changes in culture and practices on Early Mesolithic sites. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of archaeological data is significantly influenced by accessibility and preservation of sediments of a certain age. We discuss the importance of inundation modelling and sediment data in understanding how landscape taphonomy affects archaeological patterning, especially in dates-as-data approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a new high-resolution (up to decadal) palaeoecological evidence based on detailed AMS radiocarbon dating, plant macrofossils, testate amoebae, loss on ignition, peat humification, elemental and stable isotopic records, obtained from a palsa peatland located in vicinities of Igarka town. This gave us a unique possibility to examine the mid-to late Holocene environmental changes in a poorly investigated area in Yenisei Siberia. The obtained data show that the peatland initiation occurred at about 6350 cal yr BP by paludification of a larch forest in the conditions of climate warming and high surface wetness, possibly, due to permafrost thaw. The first sign of palsa formation occurred about 5360 cal yr BP and coincided with the temperature decrease, wetter and anoxic conditions in peatland. After several phases of uplifts (and relatively dryer conditions) and partial thawing and subsidence of its surface (wetter conditions) between 5360 and 2250 cal yr BP, the continuous rise of the perennial frost mound (up to the height of 5 m) accomplished by drying its surface and colonization by drought-resistant plant species, evidently, encouraged by the climate cooling and permafrost aggradation during the last two millennia. The high-resolution analyses of elemental (C and N) and stable isotope content (δ13C and δ15N) of the peat sequence revealed the strong linkages between the plant composition and mineralization/humification processes. Our multi-proxy study revealed detailed features of peat accumulation patterns driven by multiple interrelated allogenic and autogenic forcings, influencing changes in peat macroelement content and stable isotope composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bohai Bay is a typical area of global change research in East Asia, due to its unique geographical location and shallow water environment. In this paper, we present the results of a study of grain-size, geochemistry, pollen and algae of a middle to late Holocene sediment core from Haixing wetland, which located on the west coast of Bohai Bay. The results show that: 1) Prior to 6700 cal a B.P., the content of Cl, Sr/Ca ratio were the highest, end-member analysis of grain size suggested EM2 were dominant, which is characteristic of marine sediment and the concentrations of Pediastrum and Typha (indicating a freshwater environment) pollen were lowest, overall indicating the maximum of relative sea level; 2) During 6700–5000 cal a B.P., and the Ti and K contents, EM1 (lacustrine sedimentary component) increased substantially, EM2 decreased, and EM3 (fluvial sedimentary component) began to appear. The concentrations of Pediastrum , Dinophyceae and Typha pollen began to increase. All these indicating that the relative sea level began to fall and the study area became a lagoon environment; 3) During 5000–3500 cal a B.P. the Ti and K content increased further; EM1 was dominant, EM2 was rare, indicating that the relative sea level decreased further and the lagoon gradually became enclosed; 4) After 3500 cal a B.P., the Ti content reached its maximum and the Cl content and Sr/Ca ratio decreased to their lowest levels. EM1 was dominant and EM2 was virtually absent; dinoflagellate cysts almost disappeared and there was large increase of Typha pollen, indicating the complete exclusion of a marine influence during most of this period. However, during 2500–2000 cal a B.P. the Cl and the Sr/Ca ratio increased slightly once again, indicating a transient transgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pierced antlers, traditionally known as bâtons de commandement, are commonly found in many Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in Europe. Despite their original association to symbolic uses, their function is in constant debate, having as many hypotheses as contexts of finding. Predominance of symbolic use was replaced by the emphasis of antler mechanical properties chosen to perform this type of artefact. In America, pierced antlers are practically absent, however, a large number of antlers with short branches and a central perforation were found in the Low Paraná wetland. They were recovered from hunter-gatherer sites dated in the Late Holocene. In this paper, we analyse their chronological and spatial distribution, the material association and the morphometrical and physical properties of the assemblages to discuss the functional significance of these items in the local contexts. Antlers with and without perforation are considered. As a result, we note that the assemblage under analysis is morphologically different from the European's ones with symmetrical branches, despite the same material properties being maintained in the selection of deer antler as raw material. In our case, antlers without perforation are interpreted as discarded from the manufacturing processes that involve other types of tools besides there is a different proposal for a near area as the República Oriental del Uruguay. Pierced antlers show fractures and use-wear patterns like those described in the international literature. Even if no functional identification can be confirmed, high stress and domestic activity can be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to highlight new occurrences of tephra and cryptotephra layers from three peatbogs located southeastern from the French Massif Central in France. These tephras were evidenced using magnetic susceptibility logging, scanner imagery and chemical analyses by X-Ray Fluorescence, and characterized by their glass chemistry. Originated from the Chaîne des Puys volcanic field, these six new tephras allow for the definition of a more detailed regional tephrostratigraphic framework. Most of these tephras were deposited between ca. 13,500 and 9500 yrs cal. BP, and the last one was deposited between 6400 and 5920 yrs cal. BP. Some tephras of this framework were previously described in the Jura Mountains, the Northern Alps and the Western Swiss Plateau, and allow its correlation to the Northern European context established by previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary sequence of La Narce du Béage Basin is one of the few natural archives covering the last 18 ka cal. BP in the French Massif Central. This paper focuses on the palaeoecological reconstruction of environmental and climatic changes affecting this shallow periglacial lake from the Late-Glacial to the Early Holocene. After field surveys and geophysical mapping, two cores (cores A and D) were extracted and dated. Plant macrofossils, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) and diatom assemblages were compared within the cores to study vegetation, temperature, pH, water level and ice cover changes through time. During the Oldest Dryas (18–14.75 ka cal. BP), climatic conditions were the coldest with a short ice-free season allowing the development of periphytic diatoms only (ecologically comparable to Arctic ones). A cold and dry steppe landscape – exposed to severe erosion – comprised an herbaceous and shrub flora (e.g. Artemisia , Chenopodiaceae, Helianthemum, Ephedra, Hippophaë, Juniperus). Animal presence is suggested by coprophilous fungi. Periphytic diatoms and allochtonous pollen (Cedrus) underline windy conditions, and the possible erosion of neo-formed soils. Then, during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial (14.75–12.7 ka cal. BP), the ice-free season increased and some trees/shrubs (Salix, Betula and Juniperus) established locally within open grasslands. During the Younger Dryas (12.7–11.7 ka cal. BP) cooler conditions favoured steppe taxa again (Helianthemum, Achillea, Artemisia , Caryophyllaceae, Ranunculaceae) and erosion increased. The ice cover on the lake prevailed even if the conditions were not as cold as during the Oldest Dryas. During the Preboreal (11.7–10 ka cal. BP) Isoëtes echinospora and I. lacustris developed in the eulittoral zone of the lake, which was surrounded by a swamp forest (with Betula nana and B. pubescens). Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana and trees from the Quercetum mixtum rapidly established in the uplands. Occurrences of Gaeumannomyces and Xylomyces fungi – both phytopathogens on broadleaved trees – and decreasing herb values indirectly hint at a close forest canopy. At the beginning of the Boreal (10 ka cal. BP), aquatic and semi-aquatic taxa developed on open water due to longer ice-free seasons (diatoms, micro-algae, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Potamogeton, Typha). The final terrestrialization towards a mire occurred as a consequence of the Holocene warming and related to water chemistry changes (acidification, eutrophication). • During the last deglaciation, a very shallow lake established as demonstrated by palaeoecological data, such as epiphytic diatoms, living on rocks. • Late-Glacial steppe landscape with severe erosion, open grassland and possible mega-herbivore presence. Arctic-like conditions. • Development of shrubs or trees during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial and reduced ice-free season. • Dry and cold conditions persisted from the Younger Dryas to the Early Preboreal. Oligotrophic flora (Isoetids) established in the eulittoral zone. • During the post-glacial warming, the lake tended to acidify. Peat flora and organic matter accumulated and led to the terrestrialization of the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand long-term precipitation changes in arid Central Asia, reconstruction of past precipitation is critical. This paper analyzed the core sediments of Balikun lake in eastern Xinjiang. We analyzed 200 pollen samples, combined with 441 surface pollen samples and a radiocarbon chronology, using the Weighted Averaging Partial Least Sequence (WA-PLS) method, to characterize the Holocene high-resolution precipitation change process in Balikun basin. And, Combined with the vegetation types reconstructed by biome method, we discussed the landscape evolution of Balikun basin. Results show that the mean annual precipitation during the Holocene can be broken into three phases: Early Holocene (11,750–8030 cal yr B.P.), which averaged about 130 mm; Middle Holocene (8030–4420 cal yr B.P.), which averaged about 250 mm; and Late Holocene (4420–0 cal yr B.P.), which averaged about 210 mm. The vegetation changed from desert to steppe during the Holocene, and the wetlands gradually expanded, which was mainly informed by precipitation and glacial melt water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the paleogeographic evolution of Viedma Lake (252 masl) sedimentary sequences with glaciolacustrine and lacustrine strata between 307 masl and 266 masl and bathymetric fluctuations between 27 ka. and 2.4 ka. were identified. The paleoenvironmental interpretation of the stratigraphic profiles was carried out based on the analysis of facies and their associations. The oldest age was recorded at 301 masl (27 ka) and the youngest corresponds to 266 masl (2.4 ka). The record of 27 ka was compared with another dated record of the Tar-San Martin Lakes basin showing that Viedma – Tar-San Martín Lakes were formed at similar ages. Taking into account that the deposits of Bahía Túnel are located at 266 masl and that the level of the lake would be above this height, it is proposed that this lake level would have restricted the movement of hunter-gatherer populations along the coast and to the west. From 2.4 ka on a new space started to be available for these populations broadening the wintering grounds (≤400 masl). The chronology of the archaeological record found in this new space fits the proposed paleogeographic evolution. This paper complements the research on the evolution of lacustrine systems in the Patagonian Mountain range and broadens the discussion of human mobility in the Viedma Lake basin during the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the Holocene evolution of the Cávado estuarine coastal system (Portugal) and the adjacent terrestrial areas, using a multidisciplinary approach, which includes geomorphology, sedimentology, palynology, radiocarbon and history. During the Early Holocene, the Cávado environment was characterized by the dominance of coarse sediments especially in the most westward areas, corresponding to fluvial energetic dynamics. During the Middle Holocene, the presence of wetlands dominated especially in the most sheltered areas. The pollen data reflect the predominance of forests during the initial phases of the introduction of agriculture, with a significant presence of humid forests. Between 4240 and 3980 cal BP, a sudden marine flooding took place over the peat. During the Late Holocene, there was a succession of low, high and again low energy fluvial environments in the eastward sheltered areas, while high energy dominated in the Fão channel entrance, with marine influence on the uppermost units. The pollen content reflects a situation of high human influence, with a poor representation of natural forests and a predominance of agrosystems, related to the rise of the Cávado estuary as a port during the heyday of the city of Braga during the Roman and Suevian periods, as described in historical texts and archaeological research. In connection with this growth, the pollen data show the existence of local Pinus plantations related to shipbuilding and repair in the port. During these times, the estuary was larger and open to the sea at Fão. After the 15th century, with the general silting of coastal areas, the inlet closed and the river mouth was displaced to the North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first insight into the interpretation of the wood charcoal from the Holocene layers of Wonderwerk Cave. Situated in the Northern Cape Province in the arid interior of South Africa, the site provides a unique and valuable chronological record of past environmental fluctuations and responding human behavioural adaptations spanning the last two million years. The Holocene strata have been dated to cover the last 12.5 ka cal BP years, but exclude the last 100 years because of contamination. A sizeable amount of charcoal was recovered from these strata and remnants have been identified, described and the species composition amongst the strata compared. Most identified species are those that tolerate hot, dry conditions, signalling an arid trend during the Holocene. Comparison with present day species distributions suggests an eastwards shift in modern vegetation. The charcoal data also indicate that during the mid Holocene there was a wetter period from 6.2 to 4.5 ka cal BP, coinciding with stratum 4a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main drivers of Europe's climate during the Holocene result from the coupling and interplay of external and internal radiative processes with the shifting patterns of many dynamic components (e.g. glaciers, ocean currents, wind fields, vegetation cover). Those driving forces were expressed across a range of geographical scales, from local to global, in a diverse set of records forming a patchwork of evidence as to the fundamental pacing effect of climate on past ecosystems. Various sedimentary deposits resulting from those complex forcing contexts bear climatic signatures that it is not always easy to disentangle especially with respect to local factors. The present paper focuses on a coastal archaeological site on the Medoc peninsula (the Lède du Gurp site in south-western France) that records Holocene palaeoenvironmental changes, decoded here century after century and integrated with ongoing events on a pan-North-Atlantic scale. Based on updated geoarchaeological approaches, thanks to new applications of proxies, especially X-ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanning methods for this article, continuous sedimentary records have been analysed in order to reconstruct a regional framework for past ecosystem events, including events potentially related to human activity. Our work identifies signals on various scales in the record under study, with both long- and short-term trends and local and global imprints, but all closely bound up with proximal North Atlantic Ocean dynamics. It highlights how western European environments (and so populations) were dependent upon the linearity of climate evolution at the key Northgrippian/Meghalayan transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaporites were deposited in every saline lake in the western Qaidam Basin (QB) during the late Quaternary, but the role of the Quaternary glacial environment in the formation of evaporite deposits remains to be clarified. In this paper, five upper Quaternary evaporite-bearing profiles in the western QB are studied. Uranium-thorium (U–Th) dating was applied to obtain the depositional ages of these profiles, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis was applied to identify the evaporite minerals. The U–Th dating results indicate that halite (NaCl)-dominated profile D08 and mirabilite (Na 2 SO 4 ·10H 2 O)-dominated profile MXK were deposited between 146.1 ± 53.4 ka and 171.3 ± 27.2 ka, mainly corresponding to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6; the bloedite (Na 2 Mg(SO 4) 2 ·4H 2 O)-dominated profiles WMX1 and WMX2 were deposited between 182.1 ± 2.5 ka and 206.7 ± 7.0 ka, mainly corresponding to the late period of MIS7; and the mirabilite and halite-dominated salt layers in profile D30 were deposited between 9.0 ± 0.7 ka and 14.3 ± 1.6 ka, with mirabilite deposit ages corresponding to MIS2 and early MIS1. The minerals in the profiles identified by XRD analyses are mirabilite, thenardite (Na 2 SO 4), bloedite, gypsum (CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O), starkeyite (MgSO 4 ·4H 2 O), hexahydrite (MgSO 4 ·6H 2 O) and halite. This study, combined with those of previously reported evaporite deposits in the western QB, indicates that MIS7, MIS6 and MIS2 were important evaporite deposition periods in the late Quaternary. Evaporite depositions in the QB during MIS6 and MIS2 were attributed to a decrease in temperature and shrinkage of the saline lake hydrosphere. The cold glacial climate during MIS6 and MIS2 was conducive to mirabilite deposition in the western QB, while the relatively warm climate of the late period MIS7 was conducive to bloedite deposition. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains in the west of KwaZulu-Natal have been home to people for over 25ka years. The primary occupation has, however, been within the last 3ka. Settled primarily by hunter-gatherers, there appears to have been a possible ephemeral pastoralist presence around 2ka and an increasing agriculturist presence during the last 1ka. This paper outlines these occupations, focusing primarily on the northern uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, where most archaeological research has taken place. The emphasis is on the rock shelter excavations at Diamond 1, Driel Shelter, Clarke's Shelter, Collingham Shelter, Good Hope Shelter 1 and Mhlwazini Cave, complemented by reference to open-air and rock shelter surface scatters and rock paintings. Data about the subsistence and material cultural of all these occupants is synthesised to show that the people of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, but primarily the hunters-gatherers, had a varied diet complemented by rich material cultural assemblages. The Discussion considers, (i), the notion of hunter-gatherer seasonality concluding that the mountains could have been occupied on an all-year basis and, (ii), the possible presence of pastoralists in and adjacent the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg around 2ka years ago, which might have involved the practice of feasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New investigations of the Krasnaya Gorka site suggest the emergence of pottery in the Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene in the Transbaikal region. Several new AMS dates obtained for the early ceramic cultural layer 2 indicate an age between 13900-10500 cal BP. The results of palynological studies of the Krasnaya Gorka deposits are given in the paper for the first time, and the Late Pleistocene-Holocene environmental changes were reconstructed. Pollen data obtained from the Krasnaya Gorka profile showed cold and dry Late Pleistocene environmental conditions. The regional climate became milder and more humid around 13900–12700 cal BP, which corresponds to the Allerød interstadial thus corroborating the radiocarbon age results. The warmest interval of the Late Pleistocene occurred around 13500 cal BP. Between 12700 and 11800 cal BP, cooling probably corresponds to the cold and dry event of the Younger Dryas. There is some stratigraphical in deposits of the Krasnaya Gorka archeological site. The deposits forming in the early Holocene and beginning of the middle Holocene most likely were removed by erosion. Warming and increased humidity occurred in middle of the late Holocene (2700-1800 cal BP). During the late Holocene, the climate was unstable. Beginning 400 cal BP, the vegetation of the region acquired its modern appearance. Some published materials concerning reconstructions of paleoclimate in the region of Ust'-Karenga XII, Studenoe I, and Ust'-Menza I are considered in the context of general characteristics of the region. Therefore, both palynological reconstructions and radiocarbon dates place the earliest ceramics from Krasnaya Gorka within the final stage of the Late Pleistocene – Early Holocene between 13900-10500 cal BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene stratigraphy of the southeastern White Sea region is presented in the paper, based upon the analysis of published data, new results, and correlation between marine and terrestrial archives. The Pleistocene stratigraphic record in the southeastern White Sea region begins with Mikulino Horizon, which comprises the whole MIS 5 and is composed of marine sediments – sands, sandy clays and clays – with Boreal, Arctic–Boreal and Lusitanean–Boreal microfauna and mollusc fauna, dated back at 161–77 ka. The Podporozhie Horizon in the southeastern White Sea region comprises the MIS 4 (71–57 ka) complex of marine mostly near-shore sediments. The glaciation during MIS 4 was localized, on one hand, within the Kola Peninsula. On the other hand, the glacier probably overlapped the Kanin Peninsula and the Mezen Bay, however the Gorlo Strait was not blocked and the northward river outflow was preserved. The Leningrad Horizon had been formed also in the marine sedimentation pattern during the MIS 3 (57–29 ka). However, the lack of data in the region allows us to make only the comparative analysis. The Ostashkov Horizon (MIS 2, 29–11.7 ka) is composed of the deposits of glacial paragenetic series: tills, glaciofluvial, glaciomarine, and glaciolacustrine deposits, but also comprises the deglaciation (Late Glacial) sedimentary complex including marginal tills. The Holocene stratigraphic record is subdivided into three stages – 11.7–9.5, 9.5–3.5 and 3.5–0 ka BP, and do not match with new formal stratigraphic subdivision of the Holocene series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southwestern Australia has a Mediterranean-type climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters that support vegetation types ranging from tall closed forest and open woodland, to dense, low heath. At the Last Glacial Maximum, the coast was located as far as 100 km distant of its current location, after which rising post-glacial sea levels radically altered the southwestern coastline, drowning large tracts of the continental shelf, creating islands and rocky cliffs from areas of higher relief, and altering delicately balanced coastal ecosystems. For Aboriginal people living in southwestern Australia these changes would have substantially altered the availability and reliability of important plants and animals, both on the coastal plain and within littoral and estuarine environments, which raises the question of how we define and distinguish the economic strategies employed by people occupying these liminal, transitional landscapes. This paper reviews all available securely dated archaeofaunal records from 31 archaeological sites within the southwestern Australian coastal zone to develop a general economic model of Aboriginal occupation of the region's changing Holocene coastal zones. Faunal records were grouped by bioregion to investigate regional variation in environmental and cultural trends. Archaeological, palaeontological, and palaeoclimatic evidence indicates that people adapted as the coastal plain transformed during the Holocene, altering subsistence strategies and land management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study of firewood use and management by human groups in the Ongamira valley, Córdoba, Argentina (dated between c. 5700-950 BP). In order to understand firewood gathering practices at different periods in the Late Holocene, samples from 63 combustion events recorded in 9 rockshelters were analysed. From the anthracological analysis (14,976 fragments) 19 woody taxa, and 4 botanically indeterminate taxa, were identified belonging to Chaco Serrano forest vegetation. The identification of abundant small flat fireplaces suggests short-lived activities repeated over time. A detailed analysis of the samples (types of fire pits, alterations during combustion and taphonomic processes) permits inferring firewood gathering in the local vegetation around the sites, as well as some taxa belonging to different environmental settings. Archaeological evidence indicates that groups were mobile, with the establishment of a network of places in the landscape where different activities were carried out (tool production, food consumption and pottery manufacture) with fire making as a central activity. People in the past constantly used different places in the valley, focusing many of their activities in rockshelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]