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The passing of Russell Coope in 2011 brought an end to a vigorous, dynamic research career that launched the field of Quaternary entomology. This issue of Quaternary International is composed mostly of papers given in his honour in June, 2012 at Royal Holloway University of London. It comprises 21 papers that cover a wide range of topics. The reconstruction of British Pleistocene environments was arguably Coope's most important contribution to science. Three papers containing previously unpublished Middle and Late Pleistocene beetle faunas and their interpretations are included here. A discussion paper on the origins of the insect faunas of North Atlantic islands echoes another of Coope's research interests, as do two studies of late glacial climates of northwest Europe. A suite of several papers discussing the environmental archaeology of sites ranging in age from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century honour Coope's pioneering work in this field. Pleistocene research from sites in North America and Japan complete the volume, followed by descriptions of two large-scale insect fossil databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleolimnology is a rapidly expanding field within the natural sciences. To date, many scientific papers have been published focusing on studies of remains from single sediment cores in specific lakes, or a few cores from the same water body. However, few previous publications have provided a comprehensive comparative analysis of taphocenosis (and maternal community) changes in different water bodies from a large geographical region during whole Holocene using multivariate statistical methods. We conducted a joined statistical analysis of data obtained as a result of the cladoceran analysis of the sediment samples from six cores taken along the North-South transect from the Kola Peninsula to the Karelian Region (North-West Russia). Our aim was to identify, based on quantitative statistical methods, general whole-Holocene patterns in cladoceran taphocenosis changes. All taphocenoses in all cores from six lakes can be classified into six clusters based on their species composition. Our unexpected conclusion is that different taphocoenoses are formed by the same set of species, but their proportions vary significantly. This suggests that the same species may play different functional roles in different maternal communities. During whole Holocene, we observed a single taphocenosis cluster in the Holocene core from Lake Antyukh-Lambina, and four taphocenosis clusters in the Lake Medvedevskoe, with an intermediate number of clusters in the lakes between them. Furthermore, it can be asserted that the potential for cluster changes in the core is greater for the more southern studied water bodies (0–3 clusters for northern lakes vs. 4 clusters for southern lakes). Based on our data, we hypothesize that the diversity of cladoceran associations during the Holocene was lower in Arctic/Subarctic lakes, possibly due to their formation by ubiquitous species. Our study suggests that at least some Arctic lake ecosystems have remained unchanged since deglaciation times. Further studies are necessary to determine if this is a general rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a summary of work undertaken by the authors and their teams on a series of Qe'an (plural of Qa'), in the Badia of eastern Jordan. These basins are foci for settlement in the region, with the sites described here (Shubayqa, Wisad and the Qa' Qattafi) edged by archaeological sites dating from the late Epipalaeolithic (ca. 14,500 - 11,600 cal BP) and the Neolithic (ca. 11,700 - 6100 cal BP), and in areas still used by people today as seasonal wetlands for watering animals and growing cereal. We assess here the potential for the Qe'an sediments to provide what would be rare continuous palaeoenvironmental records for this part of SW Asia. The paper presents the first dates from the Qe'an of this region and the outline sedimentology. Much of the fill is of Holocene age, which leads to discussion of climate and landscape change over the last 15,000 years, particularly due to the close geographical relationship between these basins and archaeology. Our optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon dating of the basin fill suggests that there was significantly more space in the landscape for water storage in the early Holocene, which may have therefore provided this resource for people and their livestock or game for a longer duration each year than that seen today. Linked to this are hypotheses of a more vegetated landscape during this time period. Given the environmentally marginal nature of our study area subtle changes in landscape and/or climate, and human exploitation of these resources, could have led to significant, and likely detrimental for its inhabitants, environmental impacts for the region, such as desertification. Our data are suggestive of desertification occurring, and sets up a clear hypothesis for testing by future work in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the Mesolithic in the northwest Atlantic and inland area of the Iberian Peninsula and it is considered in the overall context of the rest of the Peninsula. The Cantabrian Mountains are the northern boundary of the study area, which excludes the adjoining coastal area. In addition to the geographical, geological and environmental settings, the chronology and human remains are also reviewed, paying special attention to the specific characteristics of each of the main sites. The primary faunal, plant remain, bone and stone industry - including raw material supply, technology and typology - features of the main settlements are also presented. All of the above allow us to discuss the similarities and peculiarities of the Mesolithic of this area in relation to other regions of the Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new data and reviews previously obtained results on the late glacial to Holocene history of peatlands in the southern part of the Baikal region under conditions of regional climate changes. To better understand climate signals, we have combined vegetation and geochemical variation data in 4.6 m thick peat deposits in the Vydrino bog located on the Tankhoi piedmont plain south of Lake Baikal. The territory has been swamped since 13.1 cal ka BP when the peatland started developing as a fen upon a sedimentary substrate. The 13.1–9.5 cal kyr climate record included two events of warming separated by an excursion of dry cold climate. Warming continued till 9.0 cal ka BP and eutrophic peat formation occurred in favorable temperature and moisture conditions. Another warming episode between 9.0 and 8.4 cal ka BP ended up with the Holocene climate optimum while the bog became mesotrophic. About 7.3–6.5 cal ka BP, the temperature and moisture inputs were no longer optimal for fir and spruce forests in the Vydrino area, which led to dramatic changes in landscape and vegetation. The wet and warm climate gradually became drier and colder from 6.5 to 2.3 cal ka BP, with a brief warm excursion about 5.5–5.3 cal ka BP. The peat deposition was interrupted in a cold climate from ∼2.3 cal ka BP to ∼0.7 cal ka BP, and the bog became oligotrophic afterwards. The newly obtained data allowed us to compare the paleoclimatic indicators available for the south Baikal region to determine their compatibility and inconsistency. In addition, we provide a general view to the quality of the climate and environmental reconstructions in the Baikal region by comparison of the data on its peatland study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how significant are the ecological and climatic variables to influence the stable isotopes of guanacos. Lama guanicoe bone collagen carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are assumed as a macro regional average value in west Argentina, mostly as a baseline to model archaeological human diet. If stable isotopes on mammals reflex ecology and climate, we need to know how those variables influence mammals bone stable isotope ratio. This paper analyses the 13C/12C and 15 N/14N ratio on bone collagen on 122 guanacos from Northwest Patagonia during the Holocene. The results confirm significant variation in both isotopes between Monte and Andean-Patagonian specimens. Guanacos from Monte shows higher δ13C and δ15N than those from Andean-Patagonian. Temporal trends indicate variation through Holocene but this variation is not spatially homogeneous. In this paper we suggest that Medieval Climatic Anomaly had stronger effect in Monte desert than in Patagonia desert, generating driest and/or hottest conditions between 1250 and 600 years BP. Those variations need to be considered to reconstruct human diet at least during the second part of the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holocene Temperature Conundrum refers to the mismatch between proxy-based temperature records and those based on climate model simulations. A possible reason for this mismatch is a putative proxy-based bias in reconstructed summer temperatures, and therefore, regional reconstructions of seasonal temperature are crucial for resolving the conundrum. In this paper, we reconstruct vegetation and climate changes over the last ∼10,000 years BP based on a high-resolution pollen record from Gushantun peatland, Changbai Mountains, Northeast China. Multiple quantitative reconstruction approaches were used and weighted averaging partial least squares regression (WAPLS) was found to be the most appropriate method for reconstructing Holocene temperature and precipitation. The reconstructed climate record shows that the Holocene Climate Optimum occurred between 8 ka and 6 ka and exhibited a cold month mean temperature that was 3 °C warmer than modern temperatures. Climate gradually cooled during late Holocene with a minimum cold month temperature of −19.6 °C. Four prominent cold events occurred around 8.7 ka BP, 7.8 ka BP, 5.7 ka BP, and 2.5 ka BP with an amplitude variation up to 3 °C. The synthesized seasonal temperature time series and a comparison with other proxies show that the decreasing trend in mean annual temperature is not a seasonal bias caused by summer temperature change. This study provides evidence of a Holocene seasonal temperature change at a regional scale and insights for further understanding of the Holocene Temperature Conundrum. • Reconstructed seasonal temperature changes based on a new high-resolution fossil pollen record in the Changbai Mountains • Synthesized climatic series in Northeast China to investigate the characteristics of regional temperature changes and their driving factors • Reconstructed winter temperature as evidence to address the alleged seasonal bias for the Holocene temperature conundrum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central sector of the Ebro Depression is characterized by an abundance of isolated buttes with relict talus flatiron morphologies and block slopes on the footslopes. This paper presents two unusual study cases where the block slopes are aligned in parallel with the retreating escarpment. The evolutionary process of both buttes started with the formation of talus flatirons and ended with aligned block slopes. This is because both buttes initially had a detrital caprock (Pleistocene pediment) which eroded away to expose a sandstone layer that functioned as a new caprock and so changed the slope dynamics. Seven stages were identified at La Cobeta butte and five at Puyalón butte. The relative ages obtained for stages II and IV enabled an estimation of the escarpment retreat rates. The chronologies of the other stages of block alignments were estimated using Schmidt-hammer rebound values. The estimated age of the stage II (ca. 6588-6222 cal yr BP) coincides with three radiocarbon datings obtained in the deposit. Stage III (ca. 4235-3684 cal yr BP) is contemporary with the 4.2 Bond event. Stage IV (ca. 2800-2500 cal yr BP) coincides with the 2.8 Bond event and is associated with ceramic potsherds and radiocarbon datings. Stages V and VI developed during the Warm Roman period and the Medieval Climatic Anomaly respectively. Lastly, stage VII was formed during the Little Ice Age. The information obtained regarding the morphological arrangement improves our knowledge of the regional evolutionary model where talus flatirons and block slopes develop in a semiarid environment. • Slope dynamics and evolution can be establish with a block alignments study. • Schmidt-hammer records were applied to make chronological estimations. • Chronological estimations were partially controlled using absolute and relative datings. • Seven evolutionary stages including talus flatiron and block alignments were established. • Block alignments provide more accurate data than talus flatiron on scarp retreat rates. [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]

The province of Namibe, in south-western Angola, is rich in rock art, which is distributed throughout the region, from the municipality of Camucuio, with its Cipopilo sites, to the Caraculo area, which has the largest number of shelters with rock art. The distribution extends throughout the region, including the municipality of Virei, where the Citundu-Hulu shelter stands out, and the commune of Iona, with the Monte Negro rock art site. To date, the Caraculo region has the largest number of rock art sites identified in Angola. In this paper, we will discuss the general state of rock art studies in Namibe province and, of the various shelters found in the region. We will focus our study on four new sites firstly published in this paper, as they are a good illustration of the diversity of rock art in the region: Muliolila, Múcua II, Kandombolo and Cikotoue. These four shelters were subjected to a digital documentation protocol that is fundamental to the preservation and understanding of these archaeological sites. The methodology involved the application of a digital documentation protocol that included digital photography of the site, panels, figures and surrounding landscape, digital image processing, enhancement of the visualisation and interpretation of the rock art images using DStretch® software, and digital tracing using Adobe Photoshop© software. This documentation protocol will be used not only to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the site (thus raising awareness of the cultural and historical importance of these sites), but also to identify hazards and threats that may affect the site, to monitor possible damage and to take measures to protect the site. The motifs represented are very diverse, emphasizing zoomorphic figures such as antelopes, cats and serpentine figures, anthropomorphic forms, geometric forms (simple lines, combined lines, and circular forms) and indeterminate figures. The figures are both monochromatic and bichromatic, with white, black and red being the shades that can be observed (although these vary within each colour). The predominant technique is finger painting. Hunting scenes can be seen, either in isolation or in combination. One suggests that there may be indications that figures were made by at least two culturally distinct groups, even if in this paper the authors do not present any scientific proof for this statement but only different characteristics of the rock art. The rock art sites in the Namibe are of great cultural and historical importance, both for Angola and the world. They provide valuable information about the lives and traditions of the peoples who created them and help to promote awareness and conservation of Angola's cultural heritage. It is essential that intensive documentation and awareness of the importance of this Angolan rock art heritage be promoted and practiced on a large scale. [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]

The aim of this study is to assess the variability of the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of herbivores -guanaco and huemul-in southern Patagonia. The study area extends from the eastern slopes of the Andes to the Atlantic Coast between 47° and 49° S. The ultimate aim of the research was to generate an isotopic ecology with an adequate spatial resolution that allows the incorporation and development of stable isotope studies in discussions of the population dynamics of hunter-gatherers in continental Patagonia. This paper presents the δ13C and δ15N values of 159 guanaco and huemul specimens, both modern and archaeological. This space was divided into three areas: Western area, Central Plateau and Eastern Area. Isotopic variability within groups was analyzed using the SIBER, from which the isotopic niches of the different groups are compared. The results show a spatial pattern of isotopic variability in herbivores, i.e. lower δ13C and δ15N values associated with forest environments in the western end of the transect and higher values, especially δ15N, towards the east, with maximum values observed near the Atlantic coast. Our results support the stated expectations on herbivore stable isotope composition variability and its association with environmental variables in a longitudinal transect across the southern Argentinean Patagonia. [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]

Abstract Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) covers an area of 1.7 million km2. It has been an important source of climate information and the air temperature history of Greenland is well known. However, the thermal history and temperature conditions of the Greenland bedrock are poorly known. There are only few records on the temperature of the proglacial bedrock and no records on bedrock temperature underneath the ice sheet. The Greenland Analogue Project (GAP) recently investigated hydrological, hydrogeological and geochemical processes in Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. Because permafrost has a major hydrological impact in Arctic regions, the cryogenic structure of the bedrock was an important research topic. From previous studies it was already known that Kangerlussuaq is located within the zone of continuous permafrost. Temperature profiling in a new research borehole, extending horizontally 30 m underneath the ice sheet, revealed that permafrost is 350 m deep at the ice margin. This result raised the question how far the permafrost extends under the ice sheet? In order to investigate the thermal properties, we made a series of electromagnetic (EM) soundings at the ice margin area – on proglacial area and on the ice sheet – and detected, that subglacial permafrost extends at least 2 km from the ice margin to inland. We also observed a patchy unfrozen sediment layer between the ice and the frozen bedrock. Possible existence of subglacial sediments and their role in ice dynamics has been debated in many recent papers. Our successful campaign shows that geophysics can be used for bedrock investigations through thick ice, which is known to be challenging for electromagnetic methods. Our results provide the first direct evidence supporting the proposed Holocene ice re-advance over frozen ground, and contribute to the discussion on the rapid climate changes in past, to the future of the ice sheet under warming climate and hydrogeology at the ice margin. Highlights • This paper is related to an international research project, the Greenland Analogue Project. • Electromagnetic method was able to discriminate unfrozen and frozen ground. • The first published description of cryogenic structure under continental ice sheet. • Ice re-advance over permafrost evidencing significant Holocene retreat to the east. • A literature review of the Holocene deglaciation of West Greenland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new Holocene palaeoecological record from coastal south-eastern Spain, a region characterised by high plant species diversity, varied physiography, high risk of desertification, and a history of human pressure on the landscape that stretches to antiquity. The pollen sequence shows four main vegetation phases: the first characterised by mixed forests of Pinus and evergreen Quercus accompanied by broad-leaved mesophilous trees, and a diversity of Mediterranean scrub; the second phase is characterised by mesophytic decline and expansion of Artemisia; a third, mid-Holocene phase of thermo-mesophytic maxima with prevalence of forested landscapes; and, finally, the progressive opening of the landscape with sparse pines, halo-xerophytic grasslands and sclerophyllous brushwood. The current treeless situation of south-eastern Spain is a relatively recent feature resulting from a dramatic change in the ecological structure of the regional landscapes. This paper stresses the continued vulnerability of these arid systems in the face of a changing climate. This sequence adds to previous palaeobotanical records (pollen and charcoal) and archaeological reports to suggest that deforestation started earlier in low-elevation areas and river basins than in the inland mountains and platforms, a factor that appears in connection to human exploitation of the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asa Koma is a site in Djibouti, located about 30 km from the modern-day shoreline of Lake Abbe. One group of radiocarbon dates places the occupation in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC while a second pushes the occupation to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. We discuss this point in this paper. It is a key site for understanding the first food-production societies in the Horn of Africa because it is one of the earliest sites in the region that has yielded domestic cattle remains. Nevertheless, domesticates seem to have played only a secondary role in Asa Koma's economy. Fish represent by far the most important food resource, and fishing was most likely the main reason why people chose to live at Asa Koma. The site has been the subject of many studies. This paper presents new data that complement these previous studies, namely, a geomorphological assessment of the site and the region, results from a new test-excavation, and results from the study of an additional sample of fish remains. We estimate the mass provided by the different taxa in order to evaluate what proportion of the diet derived from fishing, hunting and stock breeding, respectively. We also summarize and reconsider the hypothesis formulated in a previous study about the season of catch and the processing of the catch for storage. We argue that Lake Abbe was very close to the site at the time of the occupation, and we suspect that fishing (and hence occupation of the site) took place during the annual floods of this lake. We discuss possible indications for fish storage strategies, while acknowledging that the practice of storage continues to be difficult to elucidate from the archaeological evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a series of articles assembled in a special issue that explore Holocene climate evolution, as recorded in lakes on the Island of Amsterdamøya on the westernmost fringe of the Arctic Svalbard archipelago. Due to its location near the interface of oceanic and atmospheric systems sourced from Arctic and Atlantic regions, Amsterdamøya is a key site for recording the terrestrial response to marine and atmospheric changes. We employed multi-proxy approaches on lake sediments, integrating physical, biogeochemical, and isotopic analyses to infer past changes in temperature, precipitation, and glacier activity. The results comprise a series of quantitative Holocene-length paleoclimate reconstructions that reveal different aspects of past climate change. Each of the four papers addresses various facets of the Holocene climate history of north-western Svalbard, including a reconstruction of the Annabreen glacier based on the sedimentology of the distal glacier-fed lake Gjøavatnet, a reconstruction of changing hydrologic conditions based on sedimentology and stratigraphy in Lake Hakluytvatnet, reconstruction of summer temperature based on alkenone paleothermometry from lakes Hakluytvatnet and Hajeren, and a hydrogen isotope-based hydrological reconstruction from lake Hakluytvatnet. We also present high-resolution paleomagnetic secular variation data from the same lake, which document important regional magnetic field variations and demonstrate the potential for use in synchronizing Holocene sedimentary records in the Arctic. The paleoclimate picture that emerges is one of early Holocene warmth from ca. 10.5 ka BP interrupted by transient cooling ca. 10-8ka BP, and followed by cooling that mostly manifested as two stepwise events ca. 7 and 4 ka BP. The past 4ka were characterized by dynamic glaciers and summer temperature fluctuations decoupled from the declining summer insolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Western Patagonia (CWP) is a key area for assessing long-distance procurement of high-quality obsidians throughout the Holocene given that almost all relevant types represented in the archaeological record are exotic to this region. By using surface and stratigraphic obsidian artifacts from archaeological sites compared to standards from known sources in Patagonia, this paper discusses the spatial and temporal distribution of this lithic material. Sampling was oriented to assemblages from deposits with radiocarbon-based time frames (10,700 − 300 cal BP). This paper presents geochemical (ICP-MS) analyses of 178 samples from 58 archaeological sites at 11 surveyed areas located along the Pacific coast, the Andean forest, and eastern steppe. Out of six potential sources, the Chaitén Volcano source (Los Lagos Region, Chile) dominates exclusively the occurrence of obsidians along the coastal fringe, while the Pampa del Asador source (PDA, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina) largely dominates (86% of samples) obsidian in the eastern steppe and the forest/steppe ecotone. This broad distribution is explained by the presence of the densely forested Andean mountain range acting as a biogeographical barrier. East of the Andes, we recorded an absolute dominance of PDA south of 45°30′S, while more variability prevailed north of this point. The highest diversity of obsidians was recorded in the Cisnes River valley, probably because it is located closer to other alternative northern sources (Telsen/Sierra Negra, Sacanana and Angostura Blanca, all in Chubut Province, Argentina) and because it also hosts a local low-quality obsidian type. Based on this distribution, we discuss obsidian procurement behaviors by considering obsidian frequency and tool/debitage-class representation with increasing distance. We use the analysis of fall-off curves based on the distance of studied locations from the sources and include the use of least-cost paths for providing the most likely procurement routes. No obsidian diversification was recorded during the Holocene, hence the main driver for its procurement seems to be the distance from the source rather than the antiquity of its knowledge. Alternative procurement behaviors are discussed, specifically direct acquisition, exchange, and/or sporadic visits as mechanisms for explaining the archaeological patterns throughout the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats are a highly diversified order of mammals found all over the world; however, their population size and distribution are decreasing rapidly in Europe nowadays. The study of ancient bat populations by means of their fossil record is a valuable source of contextual information for modern bat conservation studies. This paper is a comprehensive review of published bat records in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands through Quaternary times, representing the first attempt to update and standardize the knowledge of chiropters in southwestern Europe during this time period. The main goal is to identify changes in bat assemblages that might be correlatable to palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental changes. Our data show that the Quaternary record of bats in the area is fragmentary and strongly dependent on the presence of karstic cavities. Thus, a strong preservation bias towards colonial cave-dwelling bats exists, and species with alternative ecological requirements are under-represented. Nevertheless, this work reveals that most of the bats inhabiting the area today were already present in the region from at least the Middle Pleistocene. Interestingly, we observe a frequent association between certain cave-dwelling bats (i.e., Rhinolophus ferrumequinum , Miniopterus schreibersii , Myotis myotis and M. blythii) that is still observed in many caves today; this reflects a stable ecology that has remained undisturbed despite past climatic changes. Within the well-documented periods at the end of the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene, a reduction in some common components of Quaternary assemblages (Rhinolophus species and M. schreibersii) is observed, coinciding with the Late Glacial Maximum and the Northgrippian Neoglacial (a cooling event in the Holocene). Finally, the Balearic record shows interesting palaeobiogeographical characteristics, including some eastern taxa absent in the Iberian Peninsula (Rhinolophus variabilis and R. cf. blasii) as well as an unusual abundance of Rhinolophus hipposideros. • Most extant bats in the Iberian Peninsula were already present there ca. 600 ka. • A strong bias towards colonial, cave bats counting exists within the fossil record. • Three Mediterranean cave bats associate stably despite Quaternary climate shifts. • The Last Glacial Maximum and the Northgrippian Neoglacial events left a mark. • Two oriental taxa and higher reports on Rhinolophus for the Balearic fossil bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By combining a multidisciplinary approach and an intensive program of scientific techniques, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of salt production at the Villafáfila lagoons (Zamora, Spain) in prehistoric times. During the Late Chalcolithic and the Early/Middle Bronze Age salt was obtained by boiling brine from salt lagoons. In many parts of western and central Europe at the time the standard procedure for forcing evaporation usually involved the use of crudely fired clay vessels (briquetage) to concentrate brine, and then to mould salt. We suggest that the methods during the final stages of the process differed at Villafáfila, having found evidence of basketry and textiles, which may have been used in the step of crystallization/transport of salt in cake, instead of the small ceramic salt moulds which would be expected in such sites. The role of salt within the socioeconomic setting of the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE in Central Iberia is also assessed. It is argued that the production and distribution of salt contributed significantly to the political economy, as elites controlled this activity, supporting the idea that salt was a prestige good that contributed to the accumulation of wealth. There is also evidence of ritual practices in the salt-processing areas, as human burials and animal sacrifices have been documented in the excavated sites. • Archaeological evidence shows the production of salt at the Villafáfila lagoons by the late 3rd millennium BCE, during the Beaker period. • Brackish water was boiled in large ceramic vessels supported by clay or stone pedestals. • Techniques evolved during the Early Bronze Age, when pedestals were replaced by clay-walled kilns. • Absence of genuine briquetage, and of small ceramic pots used as salt moulds. • Possible use of baskets and textiles sacks as moulds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily insolation at a given latitude is often used in the explanation of the long-term variations of paleoclimate records. However, the length of astronomical seasons, which has been paid less attention, could also be important. This paper provides an original calculation of the length of these seasons using the eccentric anomaly. The past and future long-term variations as well as the spectral characteristics of the length of astronomical seasons, of the total and average insolation over the astronomical seasons and of the caloric insolation are shown and compared. The length of astronomical seasons is only a function of climatic precession. The total irradiation for a given latitude and an astronomical season is mainly a function of obliquity except that it is mainly a function of eccentricity in a latitudinal band that is season dependent and from where the phase between obliquity and total irradiation reverses (e.g. ∼11.5°N for the astronomical northern hemisphere summer half-year). The spectral characteristic of the mean insolation over the astronomical summer half-year varies in latitude and time. It contains stronger obliquity signal in high latitudes than in low latitudes, but the obliquity signal already gets very weak at 45°N/S leaving the dominance of climatic precession between 45°N and 45°S. The variation of the mean summer half-year insolation over the last 1 Ma is characterized by a Mid-Brunhes transition at ∼450 ka BP, with a dominant role of climatic precession at all latitudes before ∼450 ka BP but significantly enhanced role of obliquity in high latitudes after this time. The simultaneous weakening of the variations of climatic precession and obliquity around 800 ka ago, a time corresponding to the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, leads to weak variations in both total and mean seasonal insolation. The insolation of a specific case, the Holocene, is finally discussed. Depending on the sensitivity to different types of insolation, different climate variables and regions could show different evolution and trend during the Holocene. • An original calculation of the length of the astronomical seasons is provided. • Precession and obliquity contribute differently to the length of astronomical seasons and to different insolation metrics. • Distinctive variations of total and mean seasonal insolation characterize the Mid-Brunhes and Mid-Pleistocene transitions. • Different insolation metrics display different trend over the Holocene. [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]

Professional archaeology in Lesotho was initiated 50 years ago when Pat Carter, working with Patricia Vinnicombe, excavated the site of Moshebi's Shelter in the Sehlabathebe Basin. His excavations there identified a sequence of both Middle and Later Stone Age (LSA) industries, the latter falling within the last 2200 years. However, the site was never fully published and Carter's use of 10-cm-thick spits to excavate its deposits raises questions about the precise stratigraphic provenance of the finds made. As part of renewed investigations into hunter-gatherer/farmer interactions in highland Lesotho, Moshebi's LSA deposits were re-excavated in 2009. This paper summarizes the results of the archaeological sequence recovered, their dating using both radiocarbon and OSL techniques, and their implications for past human use of the site and the wider Maloti-Drakensberg landscape. [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]

Coastal dunes are prominent features along the Lake Michigan shoreline, especially along Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Numerous studies in recent years have reconstructed the geomorphic history of these dune systems, from their initial formation in the mid-Holocene to about 300 years ago. These studies have suggested linkages between past dune behavior and climatic variability and fluctuating lake levels. Less is known, however, about how these dune systems change on shorter-temporal scales in the modern era and the potential drivers of that change. Using repeat photography, this paper attempts to demonstrate how the coastal dunes of Lake Michigan's eastern shore have changed since the 19th century. We collected hundreds of photographs of these dunes, taken between the years 1885 and 2018, from archives and citizen scientists. In the spring and summer of 2019, we took ∼70 new photographs replicating the original images. The changes between coastal dune conditions in the original photographs and in the 2019 photographs show a general expansion of vegetation across formerly barren and active surfaces along the entire shoreline. Although human development has also played a role in reshaping the coastal dune systems, the most pronounced difference between historical and current dune conditions where repeat photography was conducted is the expansion of vegetation – grasses, shrubs, and even trees. Here, we present the 20 photograph pairs most representative of these trends, explore these changes, and discuss the likely causes, including the increase in precipitation in Michigan in the past ∼80 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A careful reanalysis of recently published large body of surface seawater salinity and δ 18 O data indicates that the variations in the surface seawater δ 18 O of the Eastern Arabian Sea appear to be governed mainly by the influx of low salinity water through the Winter Monsoon Current from the relatively fresher Bay of Bengal, and transported northwards by the West India Coastal Current. Armed with this “calibration” for the present day, we revisit the south Asian summer monsoon variability during the past ∼25 ka by compiling high resolution fossil planktonic foraminiferal δ 18 O data from a large number of well dated sediment cores from the Eastern Arabian Sea. We clearly demonstrate that there is no evidence to believe that the south Asian summer monsoon steadily declined during the Holocene as reported in a few earlier papers from the Western Arabian Sea and speleothems from Oman. On the contrary, a majority of sediment core data corroborate the inference of a much earlier paper (Sarkar et al., 2000) of a steadily increasing monsoon rain during the Holocene. That the south Asian monsoons were driven solely by past insolation change appears invalid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of phytoliths (opal silica bodies from plants) from sediment sequences obtained from two tropical forest patches in the Western Ghats of India: a sacred grove (sequence covers last 550 cal BP) and a forest patch in a plantation (sequence covers last 7500 cal BP). The sites are located at mid-elevation (c. 650–1400 m above sea level) in a mosaic landscape showing anthropogenic open habitats and plantations as well as some evergreen forests. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the landscape composition of grassland and forest over time in the region, grassland being invariably shaped by anthropogenic activities, particularly fire for cultivation. We identified and classified phytoliths into 34 morphotypes from five taxonomic groups: Poaceae (grasses), Cyperaceae (sedges), Arecaceae (palms), Pteridopsida (ferns) and woody dicotyledons (broad-leaved trees and shrubs). We also calculated the humidity–aridity index (Iph). First, our results show that grasses are the most represented phytolith types in both sites, followed by broad-leaved trees and shrubs, palms, sedges, and ferns. Second, the highly variable climatic index Iph over the last 1000 years suggest that changes in phytolith percentage (e.g. broad-leaved trees) might be caused by human agro-pastoral activities, such as clearing through fires and irrigation. Prior to these human activities, the phytolith signal for early Holocene climate is congruent with the existing literature. Finally, this study compares new phytolith results with previous pollen data from the same sites. We find good agreement between these two botanical proxies throughout, thus validating our findings. We provide important evidence regarding the history of environmental change due to anthropogenic activities in the Western Ghats. This has important implications because it provides insights into how tropical forest will respond to increased intensity of human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tempo and mode of colonization of the Iberian Peninsula (IP) by Cannabis sativa , its further internal spreading and the potential cultural and environmental factors involved remain unknown. The available continental-wide European meta-analyses using pollen and archeological evidence account for only a few IP sites, insufficient for a sound assessment. This paper presents a nearly comprehensive database of almost 60 IP sites with palynological evidence of Cannabis and analyzes the corresponding spatiotemporal patterns. The first scattered records of this pollen type date from the Middle and Upper Paleolithic (150–12 kyr BP) and would have entered the IP by maritime Mediterranean or terrestrial continental pathways, or both. A first burst of introductions, probably in a cultivated form, would have occurred during the Neolithic (7–5 kyr BP) using similar paths. Human participation in these Neolithic introductions remains unclear but cannot be dismissed. A period of reduced Cannabis arrivals (mostly via maritime pathway) occurred between the Chalcolithic and the Roman Epoch (4.5–2 kyr BP), when the innermost parts of the IP were colonized (Late Bronze). A second, likely anthropogenic, introduction acceleration took place in the Middle Ages (1.5 kyr BP onward) using the Mediterranean and the continental pathways. Maximum cultivation and hemp retting activity was recorded during the Modern Ages (16th-19th centuries), coinciding with the increased demand of hemp fiber to supply the Spanish royal navy for imperial expansion and commerce. A potential link between Cannabis colonization/introduction bursts and climatic warmings has been observed that should be tested with future studies. Regional moisture variations seem to be less influential. Further efforts to enhance and improve the database used in this study are encouraged. The results of this paper should be compared with archeological and historical evidence to clarify the role of human migrations and cultural changes in the historical biogeography of Cannabis in the IP. • Cannabis entered the Iberian Peninsula (IP) as soon as ∼150 kyr BP likely by wild dispersal. • The first burst of introductions occurred in the Neolithic (7–5 kyr BP). • Spreading across the whole IP occurred the Chalcolithic-Roman periods (4.5–2 kyr BP). • An introduction acceleration took place in the Middle Age (1.5 kyr BP onward). • Maximum hemp cultivation/retting occurred in Modern Ages (16th-19th centuries). • Colonization/introduction bursts coincided with warmer climatic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been several studies addressing the timing and extension of Late Pleistocene and Holocene Aeolian activity in the Nyírség, the former alluvial fan of the Tisza River. Some of these already applied numerical dating techniques, however usually focused on one dune form or one site. This paper is an attempt on the one hand to review former age data and on the other hand to add new data from various sites to the landform evolution of the second largest sand dune area of the Carpathian Basin. The paper focuses on the Late Pleistocene–Holocene landform evolution of the second largest sand dune area of Hungary (Nyírség). Recent age data were obtained from investigations applying several methods (radiocarbon, OSL and palynological examinations) in order to determine the periods of sand movement and paleosoil formation in the area more accurately. According to the results, six sand movement periods can be identified during the Late Glacial and Holocen (Oldest Dryas, Younger Dryas, Preboreal Phase, Boreal Phase, Atlantic Phase, Subatlantic Phase). In between periods with intensive aeolian activity paleosoil formation occurred in the Bølling-Allerød Interstadial and in the Preboreal and Subatlantic Phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the historical evolution of the northern Bay of Cádiz (SW Spain) between the last eustatic maximum (6.5 ka BP) and the present day, by means of a series of independent proxies. The zone is constituted by the tidal estuary of the Guadalete River, filled with saltmarsh sediments during the late Holocene, due to the sheltering of the zone by a confining outer sandy barrier. The northern border of the Bay records an urban settlement of Phoenician Age (first millennium BC), Doña Blanca. A detailed survey was made in the contact between the Phoenician city and the saltmarshes in order to detect other possible urban structures related to the morphological and sedimentary evolution of this environment during historical times. Two campaigns with GPR Stream-X array were carried out as well as aerial imaging and topographic survey with UAV. In parallel, a total of 8 boreholes were made in different parts of the saltmarshes, including radiocarbon dating of selected samples for estimating sedimentation rates in the saltmarshes. Results obtained by georadar prospection and UAV survey revealed the presence of a second urban settlement on the marginal sedimentary plain, very probably installed upon a sandy fluvial island of the Guadelete River. The urban remains, of Punic Age, are partly covered by clay sediments due to the subsequent evolution of these saltmarshes, where sedimentation rates of up to nearly 2.4 mm/yr have been estimated for environments close to fluvial and/or tidal channels and hence more affected by sediment aggradation during flooding episodes. In recent times, river regulation by dams and the artificial desiccation and cropping of the saltmarshes have interrupted the natural trend of the area towards sedimentary silting up. [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 the explorations carried out in the western sector of the Iberian Central System (western Gredos, Béjar, Gata and Estrela mountain ranges). The macroremains found allow detailing the model of the landscape transformation, the composition and extension of their vegetal formations throughout the Holocene. Ninety-nine woody macroremains, 3 bark remains and 8 pinecones were located from eight sites between 875 and 1860 m above sea level, among which 15 radiocarbon dates were made. The taxonomic identification of two trunks found in Estrela allows us to document the local presence of Pinus cf. sylvestris ca. 6600 cal BP in this site. The same taxon also appears at the western end of Gredos between ca. 1700–2800 cal BP at approximately 1300 m. These remains expand the Holocene distribution of P. cf. sylvestris in the Central System known to date, both temporally and geographically. In parallel, the macroremains analysed document the composition of high mountain scrub (Cytisus type, Erica cf. arborea) in Béjar (ca. 1860 m), as well as mixed scrub-woodland formations in Gata (975–1180 m), which included deciduous Quercus , Betulaceae and Ericaceae. The presence of P. pinaster at ca. 6200 cal BP and 1180 m in this mountain range constitutes the earliest palaeobotanical evidence of this species recorded in Gata. The main results support the continuous persistence of plant formations in which P. sylvestris , P. nigra , and P. pinaster would have formed part throughout the Iberian Central System during the Holocene in a wide altitudinal range (1100–1840 m). • Above one hundred Holocene macrofossils from eight different sites were analysed. • Pinus sylvestris recently disappeared from the western Central System. • P. gr. sylvestris remained in Serra da Estrela until ˜6650 years ago. • First evidence of Pinus pinaster has been found in Gata ˜6200 years ago. • Betula , Quercus , Alnus and Ericaceae Holocene macroremains were found in Gata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the position of the Holocene transgression on the coast of the Valencia Gulf. To achieve this goal, a sedimentological and micropaleontological analysis of samples of fossil benthic foraminifera in cores from six boreholes drilled in three different wetlands (Almenara marsh, Moro marsh and Valencia lagoon) was carried out. In order to assess the extent of sea level change, at least three factors must be taken into account: 1) eustatic rise (global scale) 2) neotectonics (regional scale) and 3) the sedimentary factor (local and regional scale). Regarding the first factor, some authors have noted that the Holocene transgression reached +1 m above the current sea level in this area. As for the second factor, while the Valencia lagoon is located on a subsiding coast the northernmost marshes are located on a tectonically stable coast. Finally, sedimentation rates are highly variable depending on the area; whereas in the Valencia lagoon the shoreline generally shifts seawards (progradation) in the northernmost areas the coast is currently undergoing retrogradation, although the anthropic factor clearly interferes with this pattern. One of the main conclusions is that in the Valencian coast the Holocene maximum relative sea level did not exceed the present-day one, except in the case of the subsiding area of the Valencia lagoon. The calculation of sedimentation rates, the relative sea-level curve and the evolution of the water column in the different wetlands seem to corroborate it. Radiocarbon and AAR analyses allowed us to date the maximum extent of the Holocene transgression on the Valencian coast at around 5500 cal yr BP in all cases. Despite the different subsidence the three studied wetlands reflected the predominant marine influence until 5500–5200 BP, which was later followed by a growing fluvial or continental incidence, when glacioeustatic adjustments defined the patterns of coastal progradation. [Display omitted] • Location of the MIS 1 coastline position in three West Mediterranean wetlands. • The global Holocene eustatic rise invaded the three wetlands at least 5300 years BP. • Subsidence rate determined different MIS 1 relative sea-level rise in the wetlands. • Tectonic stability in the northern wetlands involved slower relative sea-level rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mainland Southeast Asia experiences complex and variable hydroclimatic conditions, mainly due to its location at the intersection of Asian monsoon subsystems. Predicting future changes requires an in-depth understanding of paleoclimatic conditions that is currently hindered by a paucity of records in some regions. In this paper, we present the first speleothem stable isotope records from western Thailand detailing the Bølling-Allerød interstadial, Younger Dryas termination, and early- to mid-Holocene period. We find evidence of higher precipitation during the Bølling-Allerød (14,321–12,824 years before present (1950: BP)) compared to a Younger Dryas termination that starts 11,702–11,674 BP, has a rapid shift centered on 11,660–11,641 BP, and ends 11,603–11,589 BP. In addition, our records show Holocene monsoon intensity peaking at 8250 BP or before, a multi-millennia delay from the Northern Hemisphere summer insolation peak, followed by a trend to drier conditions until at least 750 BP. Assessment of the timing of the Younger Dryas termination in paleoclimate records across Southeast Asia reveals an earlier shift of the Indian Summer Monsoon to global climate shifts when compared to East Asian Summer Monsoon records. The causes of this are currently unknown. Some potentially important aspects include: an Indian Summer Monsoon influence on East Asian Summer Monsoon strength via the Indian Ocean Dipole climate pattern, the role of the Tibetan Plateau in monsoon dynamics, and exposure of the Sundaland shoreline. More high-resolution paleoclimate records, especially on the pathway of Indian Summer Monsoon to East Asian Summer Monsoon, are required for further discussion on the mechanisms controlling the differences between climate regimes. • We present two new speleothem stable isotope records from western Thailand. • Conditions trend wetter during the Bølling-Allerød. • Early and abrupt termination of the Younger Dryas (11,675–11,600 BP, ±73 years). • Change Point Analysis of records finds earlier rapid shift in Indian Summer Monsoon. • Distinct trend of increasing δ18O and δ13C values throughout Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the Holocene climatic dynamics of South Africa's southern Cape, a region that supports a large proportion of the Greater Cape Floristic Region and contains an array of important archaeological sites. While South African climates are generally characterised by marked rainfall seasonality, the southern Cape is currently situated at the interface between tropical and temperate climate systems, resulting in a largely aseasonal rainfall regime. This regime, however, is thought to have been particularly sensitive to past changes in late Quaternary boundary conditions, meaning that variability in either tropical or temperate systems could have significant environmental impacts. Evidence of past climate change, however, remains limited. We present a 9000-year record of hydroclimatic variability obtained from rock hyrax midden stable nitrogen records, from Papkuilsfontein, on the southern slope of the Anysberg Mountains. Resolved to an average 6-year resolution and spanning the period c. 9050 cal yr BP to 1990 CE, this is the highest resolution Holocene record from southern Africa and presents a unique opportunity for the detailed study of the primary drivers and spatial gradients of Holocene climate change in the southern Cape. The data indicate a long-term decrease in aridity across the Holocene and a pattern of variability that reveals remarkable similarities with records from the South African tropics and El Niño–Southern Oscillation proxies, highlighting the significance of tropical systems as drivers of Holocene climate change in the region. This substantially expands what has been previously considered to be the zone of tropical influence, extending from a coastal phenomenon associated with heat transport via the Agulhas Current to encompass much, if not all, of the Agulhas Plain south of the Cape Fold Mountains. These findings provide a valuable new climatic framework for contextualizing changes in ecological and archaeological records in the southern Cape, and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of climate systems in southern Africa. • Sub-decadal 9000-year record of aridity from South Africa's southern Cape. • Reveals dominance of tropical forcing across the southern Cape and Agulhas Plain. • ENSO variability indicated to be important driver of regional climate change. • Presents high-resolution framework for study of human-environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discriminating the provenance of fine-grained sediments is crucial for reconstructing paleogeography, sedimentary processes, and paleoclimate. In this paper, we investigate the South Bohai Coast to better understand source-to-sink systems in East Asia. This region is influenced by both distant sources such as the large-scale Yellow River and small local river sources flowing from the Luzhong Mountain area. Two Holocene sedimentary cores, dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C chronology, were used to investigate the provenance of the fine-grained sediments over the last 7 kyrs. Clay mineralogy and relevant non-linear modeling were employed for provenance discrimination. The results show that the fine-grained sediments along the South Bohai Coast were mainly derived from the Yellow River during the periods of 7.0–5.4 ka and 4.5–2.6 ka, respectively, while the input from the Luzhong Mountain-derived rivers was greater during 5.4–4.5 ka and 2.6–0.2 ka, respectively. Fluvial activities and marine-terrestrial interaction driven by climate factors such as East Asian winter monsoon, temperature, and precipitation in river basins, dominantly influenced the provenance of fine-grained sediments from 7.0 to 2.6 ka. Anthropogenic impact on provenance increased after 2.6 ka. The chronology of the two cores showed extremely rapid sedimentation rate transitions at 5.2 ka and 1.5 ka, respectively, very likely attributed to anthropogenic-induced rapid progradation. Our study provides a model for better understanding the paleoenvironmental and paleogeographic evolution of a coastal area where multiple sources exist. • Anthropogenically high sedimentation rate in the South Bohai Coast in late Holocene. • Provenance discrimination of the fine-grained sediments in the South Bohai Coast since the mid-Holocene. • The major source of the fine-grained sediments in the South Bohai Coast changed episodically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate Holocene precipitation changes in northern China to improve the understanding of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and provide an environmental context for the development of Chinese civilisation. Our study is based on an analysis of 260 pollen samples from Holocene lacustrine sediments at Ningjinpo in northern China, and employs the biomisation method to reconstruct regional vegetation types and vegetation changes, and to decipher their driving factors, by incorporating regional climatic data and information on human activities. Results indicate that, in the early Holocene (10,000–8100 cal yr B.P.), regional climate was dry, with annual precipitation of 470 mm. In the middle Holocene (8100–3000 cal yr B.P.), a rapid increase was observed in precipitation, reaching 580 mm. During the late Holocene (2600–600 cal yr B.P.), climate became drier again, with annual precipitation decreasing to 480 mm. Between 10,000–600 cal yr B.P., vegetation exhibited distinct successional patterns dominantly influenced by climate, transitioning from meadow-steppe to forest, and then back to meadow-steppe. After 600 cal yr B.P., vegetation succession decoupled from climate change, with human activities emerging as the primary driving force, as indicated by the substantial increase in anthropogenic pollen and charcoal concentrations. In the future, under the combined influence of global warming and intensified human activity, the implementation of scientific environmental planning measures will become increasingly important for the restoration and sustainable development of regional vegetation ecosystems. • Unambiguous high-resolution precipitation record from the North China Plain. • Human activities variedly impact vegetation evolution since 2600 cal yr B.P. • A shift from natural to anthropogenic vegetation change happened at 600 cal yr B.P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Bronze and Iron Age, Sardinia was home of one of the most technologically advanced Mediterranean societies (the Nuragic culture). Given its key geographical location, the island was also the fulcrum of deep cultural exchanges. Toward the end of the Iron Age, Phoenicians, and especially Carthaginians and Romans, massively frequented Sardinia for different purposes. This marks an important cultural transition for the region, as the ancient Nuragic-related society terminated. At the same time, this impacted the subsistence and land use practices. Together with middle to late Holocene climate changes, the novel anthropic activities had a pivotal role in shaping the landscape around the island. However, high resolution climate and environmental records for these culturally important phases are still lacking in Sardinia. Thus, this paper explores palaeoenvironmental changes from the Bronze Age to post Iron Ages times by using carbonate speleothems from Suttaterra de Sarpis Cave (Urzulei, central east Sardinia), strategically located nearby the Or Murales Nuragic Village. U–Th ages (n = 20) indicate that five stalagmites comprehensively span the last ∼7000 years. Peculiarly, they all show an evident stratigraphic discontinuity. Age models attest that hiatuses can be at times associated with the discontinuities, spanning periods of ∼1200 to ∼200 years. Importantly, the discontinuities occurred from the Late Iron Age to the Roman period. Based on fabric observations, trace elements and δ13C- δ18O analyses, the discontinuities are primarily attributed to a progressive change of land use above the cave. We suppose that deforestation aimed to clearance for agriculture and livestock practices probably was the most impacting factor for infiltration dynamics and soil state, thus affecting the studied speleothems, although archaeological and historical data are absent for the specific study area. Instead, this is in line with the cultural transition occurring in Sardinia toward the end of the Iron Age, with novel agricultural practices imported by the overseas populations. The anthropic disturbance to the millennial-long karst equilibrium possibly overprinted the response of speleothem proxies to climate oscillations, although future higher resolution analyses are necessary to better investigate the evolution of climate during the Holocene as well as its role in the development of ancient civilizations. Indeed, this is the first speleothem-based Holocene palaeoenvironmental reconstruction accomplished in Sardinia. Considering the paucity of natural lakes in this key location, speleothems here demonstrate their potential in exploring human-driven palaeoenvironmental changes during times of cultural transitions within the Mediterranean context. • The first Holocene speleothem paleoenvironmental record from Sardinia (Italy). • Changes in geochemical and physical speleothems' properties point to variation of land use. • Land use variation is connected to cultural shifts during intra- and post-Nuragic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the reader to a special issue of articles that explores links and processes behind societal change, climate change and environmental change in a Holocene perspective in the Mediterranean region. All papers are, by purpose, co-authored by scientists representing different disciplines. The cross-cutting theme has been to reach beyond simple explanations of potential climate-society relationships and advance our understanding on how to improve research methods and theories in the field. The thirteen papers in this issue address these questions in three different ways, by i) conceptual/methodological approaches; ii) review papers; and iii) case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ras El Hekma area is a part of the NW coast of Egypt. It is located on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, approximately 220 km West of Alexandria City. It is shaped as a triangle with its headland extending into the Mediterranean sea for about 15 km, and is occupied by sedimentary rocks belonging to the Tertiary and Quaternary Eras. Its western coastline consists of Pleistocene Oolitic limestone ridges with separated steep scarps, while the eastern coastline consists of sandy beaches, coastal spits, coastal bars, tombolos and bays. The objective of this paper is to define some geomorphological and geoarchaelological indicators of The Holocene sea-level changes in the study area, especially the geomorphic landforms such as: marine notches, cliffs, sea caves and benches. This is to add to some archaeological remains that have been discovered by the paper's author under the current sea level. These remains include: submerged ruins of Greek and Roman harbors, wells and fish tanks near the coastline (Leuke Akte, Hermaea, Phoinikous and Zygris), in addition to an ancient Roman harbor used during the World War II in Tell El Zaytun area (Site #6). Evaluations of the discovered archaeological remains help our understanding of the evolution of the sea level during the Holocene. This study is based on observation of the relative sea-level curves drawn of the Holocene, detailed geomorphological and Geoarchaelogical surveying, sampling, dating and mapping as well as satellite image interpretation and GIS techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain deposits in the valley of the Moskva River contain a series of buried soils of the Holocene age, which can be an important source of paleoecological information. These soils were dated as follows: Soil 1 — 100 BP, Soil 2 — cal 1200 AD–500 BC, Soil 3 — 900–2700 BC, and Soil 4 — 3700–6000 BC. Archeological monuments associated with these soils belong to the Neolithic (Soil 4), Early Bronze Age (Soil 3), and Iron Age and Middle Ages (Soil 2). Buried soils have well developed profiles and diagnostic features. Dark-colored soils of the Atlantic period (Soil 4) in most cases can be attributed to Phaeozems. Pollen analysis shows that these soils were formed under forest-steppe communities. Buried soils of the Subatlantic period (Soil 2) are usually referred to as Luvisols. Unlike them, the soils of the Subboreal period (Soil 3) are traced in rare cases and have no clear diagnostic features allowing reconstruction of the paleoenvironment. These soils have a light-colored humus horizon, which does not allow them to be classified as Phaeozems. However, they do not have the Bt horizon characteristic of Luvisols. This paper describes the results of a new comprehensive study of the Moskva River floodplain near the Zvenigorod Biological Station (ZBS) of Moscow State University. The buried soils of the Atlantic and Subboreal periods were studied by palaeopedological and palynological methods. The findings confirmed previously obtained results and indicated that the buried Soil 3 at the ZBS site could be developed under mixed forests dominated by spruce. These results suggest that the landscapes of the lower levels of the valley changed dramatically between 5000 and 4500 cal BP. The forest-steppe communities were replaced by dense forests due to the early Subboreal climate change. The paper also examines the specifics of soil and pollen records of the landscape evolution. The anthropogenic influence on the floodplain landscapes is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes some results of the research undertaken over the Brown Bank area during recent (2018/2019) geoarchaeological surveys in the North Sea which included seismic imaging, shallow (vibro)coring and dredging. It examines the benefits of simultaneous high-resolution (0.5 – 1 m) and ultra-high-resolution (10–20 cm) seismic survey techniques and a staged approach to resolving the submerged Holocene landscape in the highest possible detail for the purpose of targeted prospecting for archaeological material from the Mesolithic landscape of Doggerland. The materials recovered from such surveys offer significantly greater information due to an enhanced understanding of the context in which they were recovered. The importance of this information cannot be understated archaeologically, as few locations on land provide the opportunity to recover archaeological finds in situ within preserved landscapes. Moreover, it allows offshore areas of potential human activity to be prospected with some certainty of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several foodborne diseases have been described in coastal populations from the past, many of them including parasitic infections related to marine diets. Considering this background, the strong relationship between hunter-gatherers from Patagonia and the marine species implies a possible source of parasitic infections and zoonotic risk. However, marine parasitic species have not been identified in archaeological sites from Patagonia so far. The aim of this paper is to propose the potential parasitic infections produced by the consumption of marine molluscs, fishes, birds and sea mammals by human populations from Patagonia during the Holocene, considering the current parasitic species identified in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. We searched in journal articles and book chapters for references of archaeological remains of molluscs, fishes, seabirds and marine mammals recorded in archaeological sites from the Atlantic coast below the 42nd parallel South. Afterwards, we surveyed all the macroparasites of marine origin identified by current parasitological research in the same species found in the archaeological record. We found that most of the marine species in the zooarchaeological record of Patagonia are currently hosts of many parasites. Some species of molluscs, fishes and pinnipeds are highly infected by larvae that are potentially hazardous for human health. Some of them are responsible for acute or chronic zoonotic diseases, with severe consequences depending on how the food was cooked, the amount of consumed parasites and the immune response of the host, in this case, humans. Fishes are host of several parasites related to anisakidosis and corynosomiasis. Sea lions species were also a potential source of the same zoonosis but also diphyllobothriasis. Molluscs are hosts of several parasitic species, but with less severe consequences for human health. On the other hand, birds are infected by adult parasites, without direct zoonotic importance. These findings, although limited by temporal and environmental variability, can provide a speculative overview about the potential influence of marine diets in the health of past hunter-gatherers of Patagonia, particularly if fishes, molluscs or marine mammals were consumed inadequately cooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing consideration is being given as to whether and how the subsoil can be utilised as a resource to store greater quantities of organic carbon through a range of 'frontier' technologies. However, recent work suggests 'priming' effects may occur when fresh soil organic carbon (SOC) is mixed with older organic carbon (OC). Combined with increasing intensity of land use and perturbation of the surface environment there is potential for buried organic carbon (OC) to be re-incorporated into the active global C cycle. Therefore, understanding the nature of existing buried organic carbon (OC) within Soil Parent Material (SPM) and landscapes is increasingly important. A major OC burial route within landscapes is via erosion and deposition processes. This paper aims to provide a 'first order' overview of the role erosion processes have made since the UK Last Glacial Maximum (UK-LGM) in the burial of OC in Great Britain. Using collated information, Monte-Carlo simulations were used to produce 'first-order' estimates of the mass of OC buried within three deposit types; Devensian Till, Devensian Glacio-fluvial deposits and Holocene Alluvium. Combined median estimates for these three deposit types alone suggest, that 385 MT of OC has been buried in these deposits across Great Britain, demonstrating the importance of post UK-LGM erosion processes in long-term sequestration of OC. The paper provides a basis of a framework to describe where buried OC may be found within UK SPM and landscapes, whilst identifying gaps in our knowledge base. Whilst focusing on Great Britain, the processes are relevant to many countries, each of which will have experienced erosion processes unique to their own history of geology, geomorphology and climate. • Post UK-LGM erosion processes are assessed in relation to organic carbon burial. • The climate-vegetation-erosion concept was used to assess erosion processes. • Climate helped determine deposit thickness and carbon concentration. • Estimates of organic carbon burial in selected deposit types were 385 Mt C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last millennia, the land between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by extraordinary habitat diversity, has seen an outstanding cross-cultural development. For the first time, this paper reports on the census of the Holocene archaeological sites that have been studied as part of archaeobotany in Italy (continental Italy, the Italian peninsula and islands) over the last quarter in a century. Pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, seeds and fruits, woods/charcoals and other plant remains have all been analysed in multidisciplinary researches. A list of 630 sites has been provided by more than 15 archaeobotanical teams. The sites are located across the 20 regions of Italy, and in the Republic of San Marino (356 sites in northern Italy, 118 in central Italy, 156 in southern Italy and on the islands). They belong to several cultural phases: 321 sites are only pre-Roman, 264 are Roman/post-Roman, and 45 sites cover a broader range of time, present in both time spans. Site distribution is plotted in maps of site density according to geographical districts and the main chronological phases. The reference list helps to find analytical data referring to the descriptive papers that may be scattered throughout monographs and specific books on the matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the analysis of a radiocarbon database of the North Coast of Santa Cruz (central Patagonia, Argentina), is presented. Dated archaeological samples were obtained from 56 different types of archaeological sites (open-air -residential sites and burials-, and also rock shelters). The objective of this paper is assessing the continuities and discontinuities in the chronological signal of the area and identifying tendencies along the Holocene. The database currently contains 75 radiocarbon dates falling between ca. 8000 and 300 BP. The radiocarbon data base provides information on the chronological, spatial and contextual variability of the archaeological record of North Coast of Santa Cruz. By means of different analysis of sum of probabilities, we present three different chronological moments of human use of the coast and intermediate zone can be identified. A first moment is represented by early evidence of settlement during Middle Holocene. A second moment corresponds to a hiatus between ca. 5800 and ca. 3900 BP without archaeological evidence. Finally, a third moment is where an increasing of chronological signal occurred, related to greater artifactual variability and an increase in the intensity of human settlement in the Patagonian region. The causes that could have influenced in the discontinuity of the chronological signal of the study area, and the characteristics of the different moments identified are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of large mammal fauna from the Imanay Cave in the Southern Urals (53°02' N, 56°26' E) is described in the present study. The paper aims to provide an preliminary description of the large mammal remains from the Imanay Cave in order to establish their taxonomic status, geological age and to detect the factors that led to accumulation of the bone remains in the cave. An analysis of species composition of vertebrate fauna, archaeological finds and radiocarbon dates has shown that accumulation of fossils in the Imanay Cave spanned the whole period of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Remains of the small cave bear (Ursus " savini ") and cave lion (Panthera ex gr. fossilis-spelaea) are prevalent in the Pleistocene groups: 9414 (93%) and 536 (5%) bone specimens, respectively. The cave is the only site in the world where mass bone assemblages of two large terrestrial Carnivora species - small cave bear and cave lion – were found simultaneously. The composition of the skeletal samples for both species was described and the age and sex distributions were determined. Though Mousterian stone tools were found in the cave, no trace of the hunt of the bears and lions by humans was detected. The period during which the accumulation of the fossils took place can be broadly determined as the first half of the Late Pleistocene (MIS5–3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of geological, geomorphological, geochronological investigations and the analysis of the biological composition of deposits within the high-mountainous Boguty river basin. The main stages of landscape evolution during the last 14 ka have been investigated through 32 radiocarbon dates. The area is located in the most arid southeastern part of Russian Altai and constitutes the eastern periphery of the Chuya intermountain depression, and the western side of the Chikhachev range. Postglacial landscape development of the upper reaches of the Chuya River began from the degradation of its vast glaciation. By 14 ka cal BP the glaciers had either completely melted or retreated above 2500 m above sea level. As a result, numerous lakes occupied open places and five types of these basins can be seen in the modern topography. They are large moraine-dammed lakes connected with the Boguty River, while some basins have been dammed by uplifted tectonic blocks and numerous lakes are of thermokarst origin or are small cirque lakes and temporal lakes fed by seasonal meltwater from meteoric, ground water and permafrost degradation. Large moraine-dammed lakes within the Boguty basin were developed before the Holocene. The water filling these basins was controlled by the height of moraine dams and by the depth of the Boguty river incision. The moraine-dammed Low Boguty Lake formed earlier than 10 ka cal BP. Its partial draining and transformation of littoral zone into peat bog took place about 8.2-7.6 ka cal BP. As a result of the analysis of biological composition, four stages of water level fluctuations in the lacustrine-boggy system were recognized. The specific geomorphic and sedimentary features in the middle part of the Boguty basin determined the recurrence of debris flow events at about 8-7; 2.9-1; 0.65 and 0.3 ka cal BP, but the last event occurred in June 2017. The occurrence of fossil forest soils dating to about 11-8.5 ka cal BP and of charcoals (Larix sibirica Ledeb) of about 8.5-7.8 ka cal BP indicate a prolonged period of developing forest vegetation in the Boguty basin, which is currently treeless. In general, the data suggest that in SE Altai the climate in the first half of the Holocene was warmer and more humid in comparison with the modern one. The second half of the Holocene has been characterized by colder climate conditions accompanied by aridity intensification, which became especially pronounced during the last 2-1.5 ka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and evolutionary history of intracontinental, tideless sea barrier coasts is still poorly known in comparison to open-ocean and tidal sea barrier systems. This paper describes the morpho-geological structure of the barriers and its substrate along a 90-km section of the middle part of the Polish southern Baltic coast. The main goal of the study is a better insight into the evolution of the barriers in case of sand scarcity and relations to sea level changes. The study area was examined by analysis of the published and historical data from 120 borehole profiles supplemented by new 18 core drillings. In addition to lithological and biostratigraphical data, a large set of radiocarbon ages was acquired and analysed. The barriers during its whole middle and late Holocene history were retrogradational despite of varied geological and morphological features of its substrate. The average rate of barrier's retreat has shown considerable variation in a close relation to the rates of sea-level rise. During the period 8500-7500 yr b2k when the sea level rose by 6–5 mm/yr, the coast retreated ca. 4.6–3.5 m/yr. Between 7500 and 6000 yr b2k, the sea-level rise slowed down to ca. 1.7 mm/yr and the rate of coastline retreat fell to ca. 1.0 m/yr. During the last 6000 years, coastal retreat slowed down to ca. 0.3 m/yr as the average sea level rise was ca. 0.5 mm/yr. The permanent retrogradational history of the barrier coast, even in the case of sand availability in the barrier's substrate, is explained by the existence of a divergence zone of longshore currents and a related source zone for the alongshore sandy streams. The divergence zone is present within the study area not only today, but it has existed most probably also at least since the beginning of the late Holocene. As a result, the erosional trend (sand scarcity) dominates here, which contributes to the presence of retrogradational barriers. • Recognition of morpho-geological structure of the barrier and its substrate. • New middle and late Holocene relative sea-level curve from southern Baltic Sea. • The evolution of the barriers in case of sand scarcity and relations to sea level changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]