The new 14C chronology for the Palaeolithic site of La Ferrassie,France: the disappearance of Neanderthals and the arrival of Homo sapiens in France

The grand abri at La Ferrassie (France) has been a key site for Palaeolithic research since the early part of the 20th century. It became the eponymous site for one variant of Middle Palaeolithic stone tools, and its sequence was used to define stages of the Aurignacian, an early phase of the Upper Palaeolithic. Several Neanderthal remains, including two relatively intact skeletons, make it one of the most important sites for the study of Neanderthal morphology and one of the more important data sets when discussing the Neanderthal treatment of the dead. However, the site has remained essentially undated. Our goal here is to provide a robust chronological framework of the La Ferrassie sequence to be used for broad regional models about human behaviour during the late Middle to Upper Palaeolithic periods. To achieve this goal, we used a combination of modern excavation methods, extensive geoarchaeological analyses, and radiocarbon dating. If we accept that Neanderthals were responsible for the Châtelperronian, then our results suggest an overlap of ca. 1600 years with the newly arrived Homo sapiens found elsewhere in France.     

The Würm in NW Iberia, a pollen record from Area Longa (Galicia)

The pollen record at Area Longa is the westernmost sequence available for investigation of the last glaciation in continental Europe. It is located in a region, NW Iberia, for which data from times earlier than the late glacial period are scarce. It comprises a series of exposed limnetic levels that lie above an Eemian (Oxygen Isotope Stage [OIS] 5e) beach and are separated by inorganic layers. The oldest limnetic level (Level I), attributed to the early glacial period (OIS 5a to OIS 5d), shows a dominance of woodland with high proportions of Fagus pollen and is tentatively identified with St. Germain I. The lower pleniglacial (OIS 4) Level II records a stadial landscape of grassland and shrub. Level III, from the pleniglacial interstade (OIS 3), reflects a complex period in which three warmer woodland phases alternated with periods of more open vegetation. This cyclical behavior correlates with the ice core isotope record and with the general tendencies observed in other Würmian pollen records, but the composition of our pollen profiles differs from those observed in these other records. In NW Iberia, the dominant trees were deciduous taxa, not conifers. Of particular note is the presence of lowland Fagus woodlands during the pre-Würm, and the occurrence of Carpinus considerably farther west than the boundary of its current distribution in the Iberian Peninsula.     

上黑龙江盆地虎拉林早白垩世岩体锆石U-Pb年代学、Hf同位素及地球化学特征研究

上黑龙江盆地虎拉林金矿床位于兴蒙造山带东段大兴安岭北部额尔古纳微地块北缘,夹持于蒙古鄂霍茨克缝合带与得尔布干断裂之间,其矿体主要赋存于隐爆角砾岩中,与早白垩世岩浆活动形成的花岗斑岩、石英斑岩关系密切。本文采用LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年方法,获得花岗斑岩岩体结晶年龄为141.7±1.1 Ma(MSWD=0.086)、石英斑岩(2件)岩体结晶年龄为144.9±0.56Ma(MSWD=0.580)和142.6±0.74 Ma(MSWD=0.077),两者均为早白垩世岩浆活动产物。两岩体锆石ε_Hf(t)分别介于-4.14～0.16、-2.25～1.37,且大部分数据位于球粒陨石演化线之下,两阶段模式年龄(t_DM2)分别为987.08～1259.04 Ma、908.38～1138.56 Ma。岩石地球化学特征显示,花岗斑岩w(SiO₂)为66.21%～66.70%,w(Al₂O₃)为15.18%～15.45%,w(Na₂O+K₂O)为7...     

Growing folds and sedimentation of the Gosau Group, Muttekopf, Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria

Analysis of the three-dimensional geometry of Upper Cretaceous clastics in the Muttekopf area (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria) indicate fold and fault structures active during deposition. Coniacian continental to neritic sedimentation (Lower Gosau Subgroup) was contemporaneous with displacements on NW-trending faults and minor folding along NE-trending axes. From the Santonian onwards (sedimentation of the deep-marine Upper Gosau Subgroup) the NW-trending faults were sealed and large folds with WSW-trending axes developed. The direction of contraction changed to N-S after the end of Gosau deposition in the Danian (Paleocene). Synorogenic sedimentation patterns indicate continuous contraction from the Coniacian to the Late Maastrichtian/?Danian. Therefore, large-scale extension as observed in the central part of the Eastern Alps cannot be documented in the western parts of the Northern Calcareous Alps. A combination of subduction tectonic erosion for the frontal parts and gravitational adjustment of an unstable orogen after nappe stacking for the internal parts possibly accounts for the different development of Gosau basins in the frontal and trailing regions of the Austroalpine wedge.     

A refined understanding of the paleoenvironmental history recorded at the Okanagan Centre section,an MIS 4 stratotype,south‐central British Columbia,Canada

The Okanagan Centre section is the stratotype for marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 4 sediments (Okanagan Centre Drift) in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Previous work suggested that these sediments record two glacial and two interglacial cycles. This study reports on detailed sedimentological and geochronological investigations of lithostratigraphic units comprising the Okanagan Centre sequence, revealing successive deposition of subaqueous and subaerial outwash, a subglacial till and glaciolacustrine sediments during MIS 4. A limiting optical age of 113 ± 8 ka defines the base of this sequence. Sedimentological, paleopedological, optical dating and tephrochronological data from sediments near the middle of the sequence reveal soil development (MIS 3) in eolian sediments deposited on a river terrace overlying a deglaciated surface. Within these sediments, identification of Mt. St. Helens set C tephra suggest sedimentation between 50 and 35k ¹⁴C a BP. Optical dating corroborates the tephrochronology and suggests that this surface formed after ～52 ± 7 ka. The record of MIS 2 glaciation is restricted to deglaciation, and overlies MIS 3 sediments above an unconformity possibly related to regional subglacial meltwater erosion. Eolian sediments containing Mt Mazama set O tephra (～7.62k cal a BP) cap the sequence.     

A Tertiary age for Alpine high-pressure metamorphism in the Gran Paradiso massif, Western Alps: a Rb–Sr microsampling study

The timing of high‐pressure (HP) metamorphism in the internal basement massifs of the Western Alps has been contentious. In the Gran Paradiso massif silvery micaschists, thought to have developed from granitic precursors, contain assemblages indicative of pressures in excess of 18 kbar at 500–550 °C. This paper presents unique geochronological data for the paragenesis of the silvery micaschist HP assemblage. Rb–Sr microsampling of an apatite–phengite pair thought to have remained closed to Rb–Sr exchange since the HP paragenesis formed has yielded an age of 43.0 ± 0.5 Ma. Greenschist retrogression occurred after 36.3 ± 0.4 Ma, probably in the interval 36–34 Ma. The localised disturbance of the Rb–Sr system in phengite, apatite and allanite during retrogression means that only in situ microsampling could obtain meaningful ages from these rocks. The new data indicating a Tertiary age for HP metamorphism in the Gran Paradiso massif agree with recent data for other internal basement massifs in the Western Alps. A model fitting the Gran Paradiso massif into the Western Alpine framework is presented.     

Provenance,tectonic setting and age of the sediments of the Upper Disang Formation in the Phek District,Nagaland

Integrated petrographic and geochemical studies of sandstones, and geochemical studies of shales of turbidites from the Upper Disang Formation, Phek district, Nagaland have been carried out to determine their provenance, weathering conditions and tectonic setting. Paleomagnetic studies were carried out for magnetostratigraphic purposes. Studies indicate that most of these sediments were derived from felsic and mafic sources with minor contribution from low to medium grade metamorphic rocks. Most of the felsic components have been transported from distant sources as evidenced from extensive reworking of grains. The most likely source rocks are the granite/granite gneiss of the Karbi Anglong crystalline complex to the west of the study area. However, the bulk of the sediments have been contributed from nearby basic and ultrabasic sources. This would correspond to the fast rising Naga Ophiolite, which probably emerged above sea level during the Mid-Eocene. Prevailing high temperatures and humid climate caused intense chemical weathering of the source rocks. The sediments from the west were transported great distances by turbidity currents into an easterly deepening basin. Sediments from the nearby east were rapidly dumped on the seafloor causing rapid mixing, leading to textural and chemical immaturity. Paleomagnetic studies endorse published paleontological evidence to indicate that most of the sediments of the Upper Disang Formation were deposited during the Late Eocene. Deposition took place in a westward-migrating accretionary-prism complex in an active-margin setting at the convergence of the Indian and Burma plates. This was a rapidly-closing basin where anoxic conditions prevailed. Towards the end of the Eocene this basin closed completely with the destruction of the Tethyan Ocean.     

A new chronological framework for Middle and Upper Pleistocene landscape evolution in the Sussex/Hampshire Coastal Corridor, UK

The unique Middle and Late Pleistocene sedimentary record preserved along the Sussex/Hampshire Coastal Corridor between Romsey and Brighton contains a wealth of deposits including highstand marine sediments associated with a variety of different aged beaches, fluvial sediments associated with rivers crossing the coastal plain and cold stage deposits accumulating above the marine and fluvial sediments. Although quarrying activity has been extensive across much of the area it has been undertaken in flooded workings due to the high level of the watertable. Consequently little is known in detail about the sequences except where they outcrop on the foreshore around the coast. This paper examines recent work from the lower coastal plain using a multi-disciplinary approach these deposits to elucidate the age of the sequences and their associated environments of deposition.OSL dates from two of the beaches, the Aldingbourne and Brighton/Norton Beaches, place both within MIS 7. Although these OSL dates cannot differentiate between sub-stages within MIS 7, coupling these results with inferences from local geography, lithology and contained microfossils it is clear that the beaches belong to two different phases within MIS 7. These two beaches are clearly divided by a major phase of erosion and downcutting associated with a fall in sea-level. Fluvial sediments from Solent Terrace 2 and Arun Terrace 4 also date within MIS 7 and are tentatively ascribed to the downcutting event between the beaches. Together this information allows us to propose, for the first time, a robust independently dated framework for the lower parts of the coastal plain integrating for the first time the marine and terrestrial record.     

内蒙古科尔沁右翼中旗上侏罗统满克头鄂博组木化石新资料

报道了首次在大兴安岭中南段侏罗系火山-沉积地层中发现的木化石。化石产于内蒙古自治区科尔沁右翼中旗地区满克头鄂博组中酸性火山碎屑沉积岩中,经沈阳地质矿产研究所张武研究员详细鉴定,有5属3个已知种和2个未定种。对新发现木化石的主要特征进行了描述,讨论了木化石的时代。综合分析所发现化石的组合特征,认为其时代属中晚侏罗世。这些木化石新材料为大兴安岭地区上侏罗统地层区域对比提供了新的古生物资料依据。     

内蒙古科尔沁右翼中旗上侏罗统满克头鄂博组木化石新资料

报道了首次在大兴安岭中南段侏罗系火山-沉积地层中发现的木化石。化石产于内蒙古自治区科尔沁右翼中旗地区满克头鄂博组中酸性火山碎屑沉积岩中,经沈阳地质矿产研究所张武研究员详细鉴定,有5属3个已知种和2个未定种。对新发现木化石的主要特征进行了描述,讨论了木化石的时代。综合分析所发现化石的组合特征,认为其时代属中晚侏罗世。这些木化石新材料为大兴安岭地区上侏罗统地层区域对比提供了新的古生物资料依据。     

内蒙古科尔沁右翼中旗上侏罗统满克头鄂博组 木化石新资料

报道了首次在大兴安岭中南段侏罗系火山-沉积地层中发现的木化石。化石产于内蒙古自治区科尔沁右翼中旗地区满克头鄂博组中酸性火山碎屑沉积岩中,经沈阳地质矿产研究所张武研究员详细鉴定,有5属3个已知种和2个未定种。对新发现木化石的主要特征进行了描述,讨论了木化石的时代。综合分析所发现化石的组合特征,认为其时代属中晚侏罗世。这些木化石新材料为大兴安岭地区上侏罗统地层区域对比提供了新的古生物资料依据。     

冀北滦平陆相侏罗—白垩系生物地层界线及候选层型研究进展

滦平盆地张家沟侏罗—白垩系界线上下为连续沉积的滨浅湖—半深湖序列,介形类和叶肢介类化石丰富,是中国陆相JK界线理想的层型候选剖面。通过晚侏罗世和早白垩世介形类、叶肢介生物组合及沉积学与成因地层学的综合研究,认为陆相侏罗—白垩系生物地层界线以介形类大个体滦平介Luanpingella的消失、女星介Cypridea的出现,叶肢介Nestoria、Pseudograpta及Keratestheria等的消失以及Eosestheria的始现,扇三角洲平原或前缘亚相或等同亚、微相带的结束为标志。陆相界线层型研究和定义异于海相盆地,陆相环境生物化石的自然缺欠可以通过地层格架建立及沉积亚微相序列高精度地划分、对比予以弥补,并应纳入陆相界线层型的定义中。     

冀北滦平盆地早白垩世陆相义县阶的重新厘定 及其层型剖面

实测了冀北滦平西瓜园组李营-王家沟剖面和马圈村剖面,在开展多学科系统研究的基础上,把剖面划分为4个岩性段,建立了系统的叶肢介生物地层分带序列,进行辽西义县组与冀北西瓜园组的等时性对比,分析剖面的沉积相叠置特征,证明了剖面的沉积连续性和沉积旋回性变化,识别出剖面的4个三级层序,确定了义县阶的定义及其单位和界线层型。从而建议重新厘定“义县阶”的定义和层型,将冀北滦平李营一王家沟剖面作为下白垩统义县阶的单位层型,将冀北滦平马圈村大店子组一西瓜园组界线剖面作为义县阶的底界层型,将冀北滦平西瓜园组的时限范围定为义县阶;取消以张家沟大店子组时限范围所定的义县下亚阶,改为张家沟阶。     

A new late glacial to early Holocene palaeobotanical and archaeological record in the Eastern Pre‐Alps: the Palughetto basin (Cansiglio Plateau,Italy)

A late glacial to early Holocene lacustrine and peat succession, rich in conifer remains and including some palaeolithic flint artefacts, has been investigated in the Palughetto intermorainic basin (Venetian Pre‐Alps). The geomorphological and stratigraphical relationships, ¹⁴C dates and pollen analyses allow a reconstruction of the environmental history of the basin and provide significant insights into the reforestation and peopling of the Pre‐Alps. The onset of peat accumulation is dated to 14.4–14.1 kyr cal. BP, coinciding with reforestation at middle altitudes that immediately post‐dates the immigration of Larix decidua and Picea abies subsp. europaea. Plant macrofossils point to the expansion of spruce about 14.3 kyr cal. BP, so far one of the earliest directly dated in the late glacial period of southern Europe. The previous hypothesis of an early Holocene spruce immigration in the Southern Alps from Slovenia needs reconsideration. Organic sedimentation stopped at the end of the Younger Dryas and was followed by the evolution of hydromorphic soils containing lithic artefacts, anthropic structures and wood charcoal. The typological features of the flint implements refer human occupation of the site to the end of the recent Epigravettian. Charcoals yielded dates either consistent with, or younger than, the archaeological chronology, in the early and middle Holocene. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

冀北滦平盆地早白垩世陆相义县阶的重新厘定及其层型剖面

实测了冀北滦平西瓜园组李营-王家沟剖面和马圈村剖面,在开展多学科系统研究的基础上,把剖面划分为4个岩性段,建立了系统的叶肢介生物地层分带序列,进行辽西义县组与冀北西瓜园组的等时性对比,分析剖面的沉积相叠置特征,证明了剖面的沉积连续性和沉积旋回性变化,识别出剖面的4个三级层序,确定了义县阶的定义及其单位和界线层型。从而建议重新厘定“义县阶”的定义和层型,将冀北滦平李营一王家沟剖面作为下白垩统义县阶的单位层型,将冀北滦平马圈村大店子组一西瓜园组界线剖面作为义县阶的底界层型,将冀北滦平西瓜园组的时限范围定为义县阶;取消以张家沟大店子组时限范围所定的义县下亚阶,改为张家沟阶。