Analysis of stratigraphical sequences at Cocina Cave (Spain) using rare earth elements geochemistry |
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| Authors: | Gianni Gallello Mirco Ramacciotti Oreto García-Puchol Simon Chenery Alfredo Cortell-Nicolau MARíA Luisa Cervera Agustin Diez-Castillo Agustín Pastor Sarah B McClure |
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| Institution: | 1. PREMEDOC, Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain;2. Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain;3. British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG UK;4. Analytical Chemistry Department, University of Valencia, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;5. GRAM, Department of Prehistory, Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain;6. Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-3210 USA |
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the stratigraphical sequence of Cocina Cave (Spain) employing and testing for the first time the capability of rare earth elements as markers of human activities in caves. Located in Dos Aguas (Valencian Community, Spain), Cocina Cave is characterized by the presence of several Holocene archaeological deposits from the final Mesolithic to the present day and is a pivotal site for understanding the socio-ecological dynamics of the last hunter-gatherer inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula and the transition to pastoral and agricultural economies in the Western Mediterranean. However, the identification of strata from particular time-periods in the cave is often difficult due to the homogeneity of layers, the poor archaeological record in some strata and the presence of severe disturbance phenomena. The methodological approach of this study consisted of cross-referencing rare earth elements and other chemical markers with the archaeological stratigraphical interpretation, in an attempt to not only support the identification of the anthropic contribution to the formation of Cocina Cave strata, but also to characterize and confirm different natural and occupational episodes, particularly those associated with hunter-gatherer, early agriculturalist, and shepherd activities. Sediments were collected from different excavation areas and analysed for major elements, trace elements, rare earth elements (REE), soil organic matter (SOM) amounts and pH. Multivariate statistics were employed to group samples according to their elemental profile, and these were then compared to the archaeological temporal interpretation. The obtained results showed that REE amount and fractionation geochemical processes were regulated by carbonates, phosphates and pH. The use of REE as markers was particularly useful as their concentrations and their calculated ratios and anomaly distributions were demonstrated to be highly consistent with the archaeological stratigraphical interpretation. |
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