Holocene Age Research Articles

Carbon and nitrogen pools in thermokarst-affected permafrost landscapes in Arctic Siberia

Abstract. Ice-rich yedoma-dominated landscapes store considerable amounts of organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and are vulnerable to degradation under climate warming. We investigate the C and N pools in two thermokarst-affected yedoma landscapes – on Sobo-Sise Island and on Bykovsky Peninsula in the north of eastern Siberia. Soil cores up to 3 m depth were collected along geomorphic gradients and analysed for organic C and N contents. A high vertical sampling density in the profiles allowed the calculation of C and N stocks for short soil column intervals and enhanced understanding of within-core parameter variability. Profile-level C and N stocks were scaled to the landscape level based on landform classifications from 5 m resolution, multispectral RapidEye satellite imagery. Mean landscape C and N storage in the first metre of soil for Sobo-Sise Island is estimated to be 20.2 kg C m−2 and 1.8 kg N m−2 and for Bykovsky Peninsula 25.9 kg C m−2 and 2.2 kg N m−2. Radiocarbon dating demonstrates the Holocene age of thermokarst basin deposits but also suggests the presence of thick Holocene-age cover layers which can reach up to 2 m on top of intact yedoma landforms. Reconstructed sedimentation rates of 0.10–0.57 mm yr−1 suggest sustained mineral soil accumulation across all investigated landforms. Both yedoma and thermokarst landforms are characterized by limited accumulation of organic soil layers (peat). We further estimate that an active layer deepening of about 100 cm will increase organic C availability in a seasonally thawed state in the two study areas by ∼ 5.8 Tg (13.2 kg C m−2). Our study demonstrates the importance of increasing the number of C and N storage inventories in ice-rich yedoma and thermokarst environments in order to account for high variability of permafrost and thermokarst environments in pan-permafrost soil C and N pool estimates.

Pedro Miguel Fault Investigations: Borinquen Dam 1e Construction and the Panama Canal Expansion

Abstract Borinquen Dam 1E is part of the new Pacific Access Channel (PAC) of the Panama Canal Expansion. The 2.3-km-long zoned rockfill dam forms the navigational channel providing navigation access from the Gaillard Cut to the new Post-Panamax Pacific Locks. A key geologic objective during construction was to confirm locations and activity of faults mapped at the dam during design, namely the Pedro Miguel Fault (PMF) and its suspected newly mapped “main trace.” The design allowed for core and filter widening at the anticipated location of the PMF at the south abutment and at a west branch of the PMF (believed to be the main active trace of the fault) mapped along the dam axis about one-third of the way north from the south abutment. As-built geologic mapping revealed complex faulting associated with the PMF crossing the southeast half of the foundation, the PAC, and the nearby Dam 1W foundation along a north-south trend. Trenching and age dating of alluvium overlying the faults crossing the Dam 1E foundation and overlying the PMF at Dam 1W indicated the unfaulted alluvium was latest Pleistocene to early Holocene age. At Dam 1E, the core and filters were widened to accommodate potential fault rupture on the PMF and a previously unrecognized fault revealed across the width of the dam foundation. The west branch of the PMF (trenched and mapped during design investigations) was determined to not exist at Dam 1E based on mapping the dam foundation and other extensive excavations created for the PAC.

Identifying source populations for the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber L. 1758, into Britain: evidence from ancient DNA

Establishing true phylogenetic relationships between populations is a critical consideration when sourcing individuals for translocation. This presents huge difficulties with threatened and endangered species that have become extirpated from large areas of their former range. We utilise ancient DNA (aDNA) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of a keystone species which has become extinct in Britain, the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber. We sequenced seventeen 492 bp partial tRNAPro and control region sequences from Late Pleistocene and Holocene age beavers and included these in network, demographic and genealogy analyses. The mode of postglacial population expansion from refugia was investigated by employing tests of neutrality and a pairwise mismatch distribution analysis. We found evidence of a pre-Late Glacial Maximum ancestor for the Western C. fiber clade which experienced a rapid demographic expansion during the terminal Pleistocene to early Holocene period. Ancient British beavers were found to originate from the Western phylogroup but showed no phylogenetic affinity to any one modern relict population over another. Instead, we find that they formed part of a large, continuous, pan-Western European clade that harbored little internal substructure. Our study highlights the utility of aDNA in reconstructing population histories of extirpated species which has real-world implications for conservation planning.

Geomorphic investigation of the Late-Quaternary landforms in the southern Zanskar Valley, NW Himalaya

The Suru, Doda and Zanskar river valleys in the semi-arid region of Southern Zanskar Ranges (SZR) preserve a rich repository of the glacial and fluvial landforms, alluvial fans, and lacustrine deposits. Based on detailed field observations, geomorphic mapping and limited optical ages, we suggest four glaciations of decreasing magnitude in the SZR. The oldest Southern Zanskar Glaciation Stage (SZS-4) is inferred from glacially polished bedrock and tillite pinnacles. The SZS-4 is ascribed to the Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS)-4/3. The subsequent SZS-3 is represented by obliterated and dissected moraines, and is assigned to MIS-2/Last Glacial Maximum. The multiple recessional moraines of SZS-2 glaciation are assigned the early to mid Holocene age whereas, the youngest SZS-1 moraines were deposited during the Little Ice Age. We suggest that during the SZS-2 glaciation, the Drang-Drung glacier shifted its course from Suru Valley (west) to the Doda Valley (east). The study area has preserved three generations of outwash gravel terraces, which broadly correlate with the phases of deglaciation associated with SZS-3, 2, and 1. The alluvial fan aggradation, lacustrine sedimentation, and loess deposition occurred during the mid-to-late Holocene. We suggest that glaciation was driven by a combination of the mid-latitude westerlies and the Indian Summer Monsoon during periods of cooler temperature, while phases of deglaciation occurred during enhanced temperature.

10Be surface exposure dating of the last deglaciation in the Aare Valley, Switzerland

The combined Rhone and Aare Glaciers presumably reached their last glacial maximum (LGM) extent on the Swiss Plateau prior to 24 ka. Two well-preserved, less extensive moraine stades, the Gurten and Bern Stade, document the last deglaciation of the Aare Valley, yet age constraints are very scarce. In order to establish a more robust chronology for the glacial/deglacial history of the Aare Valley, we applied 10Be surface exposure dating on eleven boulders from the Gurten and Bern Stade. Several exposure ages are of Holocene age and likely document post-depositional processes, including boulder toppling and quarrying. The remaining exposure ages, however yield oldest ages of 20.7 ± 2.2 ka for the Gurten Stade and 19.0 ± 2.0 ka for the Bern Stade. Our results are in good agreement with published chronologies from other sites in the Alps.

Thermal history of volcanic debris flow deposits on the eastern flanks of Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand: Implications for future hazards

We use palaeomagnetic methods to decipher the thermal histories of a succession of massive to weakly stratified debris flow deposits (Ngatoro and Te Popo formations) of late Holocene age located on the eastern lower flanks of Mt. Taranaki/Egmont Volcano, western North Island, New Zealand. Results from two sites, Vickers Quarry and Surrey Road Quarry, both c. 9.6 km from the present-day summit, enable us to distinguish between clast incorporation temperatures of about 400 °C and emplacement temperatures between 150 and 200 °C, consistent with observation of superficial charring and desiccation of outer podocarp-hardwood tree trunks at Vickers Quarry. Analysis of palaeomagnetic directions and lithofacies architecture suggest that these deposits were likely initiated as a closely-spaced succession of block-and-ash flows (BAFs) that rapidly cooled as they descended the volcano flanks. Radiocarbon chronology and the widespread occurrence of a palaeosol between the products of the preceding Inglewood eruptive phase, c. 3.4 cal. ka B.P., and the overlying Ngatoro Formation suggest that these two events are temporally unrelated. Certainly, there is no field evidence of contemporaneous explosive volcanic activity that might be related to the emplacement of Ngatoro Formation. However, we suggest that these low-temperature deposits might either relate to collapse of a small emergent lava dome or a cooling dome remnant, possibly emplaced in the aftermath of the Inglewood eruption. How collapse was initiated remains uncertain: the remnant dome may have been rendered unstable by volcano-tectonic or tectonic seismic events and/or by adverse meteorological events. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that edifice collapse events generating potentially hazardous debris flows can occur independent of specific eruptive activity.

Stratigraphic characteristics of quaternary deposits on the left bank of the Sava River near Belgrade

Quaternary deposits on the banks of the Sava River in the Belgrade area have a significant thickness and they are represented by genetically different formations. The data about these sediments were obtained by exploration of two relatively shallow boreholes, RB 47/P-1 and RB 53/P-1, located on the left bank of the Sava River. Two genetic entities are distinguished: the lacustrine-palustrine deposits of Plio-Pleistocene age and alluvial deposits of Pleistocene and Holocene age. Deposits of the Plio-Pleistocene are clearly different, both lithologically and palaeontologically, from the overlying alluvial deposits. Lithologically similar fluvial deposits of the Pleistocene and Holocene age were distinguished according to their palaeontological characteristics, particulary by the presence of bivalve genera Corbicula and Dreissena.

Late Quaternary stratigraphic evolution of the inner continental shelf in response to sea-level change, Santa Catarina, Brazil

The inner continental shelf (0–50m water depth) off Santa Catarina, southern Brazil was investigated using seismic stratigraphic methods to identify and interpret the major seismic stratigraphic units and to reconstruct the late Quaternary evolution of the inner shelf and coast. The stratigraphy comprises a bedrock basement overlain by a thick (>30m) unit that comprises, in the distal portion, laminated muds and sands, and in the coast-proximal zone, offlapping deltaic deposits, whose upper surface has been reworked to form alongshore-prograding barrier spits. Deposition of this unit is tentatively attributed to sea levels (−20m MSL) during the late Pleistocene (MIS 5a, or 5c). A normal fault in the muddy units with a vertical offset of 3.5m indicates episodic tectonic activity. Cut into this unit is a profusion of incised valleys, associated with sea level fall ultimately to −120m at the last glacial maximum (LGM). The associated subaerial unconformity is only preserved close to shore, where it has escaped subsequent wave ravinement. This, coupled with the well-preserved incised valleys implies the underlying substrate to be weakly cohesive material (mud).The incised valleys display a variety of infilling sediments interpreted variously as basal fluvial sediments, estuarine basin infill muds and marginal bar or barrier-associated sands deposited during the postglacial marine transgression. During a sea level stillstand at ca. -50m, a 3.5km-wide planar surface was cut into the unconsolidated coastal plain sediments forming a terrace on which a thick sequence of sands accumulated. This unit is regionally developed and the acoustic signature implies it to comprise littoral sand including a large aeolianite component. The accumulation of sand on this mainland beach/dune system is attributed to establishment of a mature littoral system with strong longshore drift. The fact that it rests on an erosional surface that truncates incised valleys, suggests the unit to be Holocene in age. It is interpreted to have been deposited during a still stand in the Holocene and to have undergone aggradation and cementation until it was overstepped by sea-level rise. Its surface and the coastal plain to landward were then subject to wave ravinement and a thin (ca. 5–6m) layer of modern marine sands was deposited on the eroded surface.Sea-level rise continued to the regional glacio-isostatic highstand of ca. 5.5m, after which regressive strandplains developed in response to a renewed mature longshore drift system similar to that prevailing during the −50m stillstand of sea level. In the intervening period, rapid shoreline translation over the low gradient surface inhibited the development of the longshore transport system.The three shoreline systems identified show marked differences that relate to sea level change and the influence of the underlying topography. Shoreline 1 (Pleistocene highstand) developed by localised wave-reworking of delta deposits and involved a series of alongshore-prograding barrier spits on a shoreline of alternating high-relief bedrock and littoral sands in coastal re-entrants. Shoreline 2 (− 50m) was a major accumulation of beach and dune sand deposited as a mainland-attached beach dune system on a low-lying coastal plain environment. Shoreline 3 (the modern coast) comprises a series of headland-embayment beaches, strandplains and transgressive dunes with a strong bedrock control and a well-developed longshore drift system delivering sediment northward.

Paleoenvironmental evolution of the coastal plain of Southern Brazil: palynological data from a Holocene core in Santa Catarina State.

This paper presents a paleoenvironmental reconstruction from palynological analyses of a sedimentary core of Holocene age, drilled at municipality of Garopaba (Santa Catarina), Southern Brazil. A total of 46 samples was collected for palynological analyses in the 450 cm-long core PCSC-3, as also three samples for radiocarbon dating and granulometric analyses. The palynological content includes 84 taxa related to pollen grains of angiosperms (38) and gimnosperm (3), spores of pteridophyta (16) and bryophyta (2), spores of fungi (8), algae (3), acritarchs (3), dinoflagellate cysts (2) and microforaminiferal linings (1). Three specimens of acritarchs are described and illustrated in detail. Three palynological phases were defined based on changes in assemblages: Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. The Phase I is characterized as a lagoonal paleoenvironment with marine influence from the beginning of the sedimentation (5390 cal yr BP), based on occurrences of acritarchs, dinoflagellate cysts and microforaminiferal linings. The Phase II (3032 yr BP until 858 cal yr BP) also is characterized by a lagoonal paleoenvironment, however, presented decrease in percentage of marine elements and increase in freshwater algae record, suggesting less marine influence in the lagoonal body. In Phase III (last 856 years), underwater sedimentation prevailed, under swamp-like conditions.

The geology and hydrogeology of buried bedrock valley aquifers on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: an overview

Buried bedrock valley aquifers are common across Canada, where multiple glaciations have buried both pre-glacial and Pleistocene valleys. These aquifers are becoming increasingly important as a supply of potable groundwater, for supporting aquatic habitat, and as part of strategies in adapting to a changing climate. However, in Canada, there are considerable knowledge gaps at national, regional, and local scales, such that many buried bedrock valleys remain unidentified or underexplored. Cape Breton Island provides a hydrogeological view into the roots of an ancient mountain range, now exhumed, glaciated, deglaciated, and tectonically inactive. Since the Cretaceous, a variety of geological processes have formed several buried bedrock valley aquifers over the island. These aquifers are important in providing municipal and commercial groundwater supplies, controlling mine dewatering, protection of salmonids, design and monitoring of waste disposal sites, and geotechnical investigations for infrastructure design. Of 150 sites assessed, 61% provided evidence of buried aquifers comprising unconsolidated sand and gravel of Cretaceous, Pleistocene, and Holocene ages. These sites provided the basis for five conceptual, 3-D hydrogeological block models. Three hydrogeological case studies provided further insight into the functioning of two of these models. Future studies should identify and characterize aquifers in high demand areas and/or those that support important riverine ecosystems. Research should focus on aquifer properties, groundwater-stream interaction, and the impact of changing climate with sea-level rise.

Fauna and flora of drilling and core data from the İznik Lake: The Marmara and the Black Sea connection

The study deals with on the Quaternary connection of the Iznik Lake between the Gemlik Gulf and the Black Sea located in the Marmara Region. The core and drilling data were evaluated. They were collected at two locations and depths from drilling cores and at the three deepest locations of the lake. A total of 510 samples were examined from the lake-bottom cores. Ostracod, mollusc, nannoplankton, ascidian spicule, and diatom assemblages observed at different levels of the drillings were studied. No foraminiferal data were recorded. Molluscan association such as Dreissena bugensis, D. caspia, Monodacna pontica, Clathrocaspia makarovi, Euxinipyrgula milachevitchi, Euxinipyrgula lincta indicate Neoeuxinian age. Amnicythere olivia, A. stepanaitysae, A. striatocostata, Tyrrhenocythere amnicola and Loxoconcha immodulata of the ostracod assemblage, exhibiting Ponto-Caspian origin, were found. In addition, fossil ascidian spicules comprising various species of Bonetia, Micrascidites, Monniotia, and Rigaudia genera were encountered, probably representing Late Pleistocene to Holocene ages. Campylodiscus echeneis, Cocconeis placentula var. lineata Epithemia turgida var. granulata, Epithemia adnata, Nitzschia commutate and N. vermicularis, from the diatom assemblage are genera and species also found in the İznik Lake and in the Black Sea. Mollusc and ostracod fauna, the Ponto-Caspian origin indicates that the İznik Lake was connected with the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea in the recent period. Thus, the Ponto-Caspian assemblages indicate the early Neoeuxinian (Surozhian) brackish water inundated the study area.Geochronological ages determined by the 14C method from the deposits occurring at 53–54 m above present sea level in the İznik Lake indicate the periods of connection via Iznik Lake during 33,630 to 32,920 cal BP (SK-1) and BP 27,335 to 27,070 cal BP (SK-2). When the position of the deposits is compared with the previously available Late Pleistocene 14C data obtained from the molluscs identified in the nearby Gemlik Gulf at −76 m present water depth and also with the early Khazarian (Middle Pleistocene) age data on the molusc fauna at 130–150 m heights of uppermost terraces above present sea level to NW of the lake, we suggest the influence of a neo-tectonic regime for the occurrence of comparable age deposits at different levels in the region. It may be proposed that a vertical displacement in the order of a 100 m occurred since the late Pleistocene in the İznik Lake area and the lake acquired its present features as a result of the tectonic movements.

Reconstruction of a large runout landslide in the Krušné hory Mts. (Czech Republic)

The aims of this study were to summarize current knowledge of a large runout prehistoric landslide, critically review all of the existing data and, in particular, gather new data in order to estimate the age of the accumulation and reveal the movement mechanism. The reconstruction of a large rockslide-rock avalanche in the NW part of the Czech Republic was supported by the analysis and interpretation of 216 boreholes and by GIS analysis of the original 1950s pre-mining surface using digitized old military topographic maps. For the age estimation, we used the Schmidt hammer test. The total volume of the quaternary deposit was calculated to be between 25.4 and 27.4 mil m3, occupying an area of 778,000 m2 and consisting of six to eight generations of colluvial sediments. Three main landslide events were identified based on extensive Schmidt hammer sampling, and the approximate age was established using a regression equation assembled by Engel (2007). All three of the documented events occurred around the time of significant climate change. The oldest event occurred due to the Oldest Dryas warming, the largest event probably occurred at the end of the Younger Dryas (11,700 yBP), and the youngest of the documented events was purely of a Holocene age, with the highest landslide frequency being during the Atlantic temperature fluctuations (approximately 8200 yBP). The slope deformation occurred on a fault slope with a relative height of over 400 m and in tectonically weakened rocks. Sediments in the Most Basin were weakened from meltwater during rapid warming periods, which allowed mobilization of rockslide deposits and runout of up to 1000 m from the mountain foothills.

PEDRO MIGUEL FAULT INVESTIGATIONS BORINQU EN DAM 1E CONSTRUCTION PANAMA CANAL EXPANSION

Borinquen Dam 1E is part of the new Pacific Access Channel of the Panama Canal Expansion. The 2.3 km long zoned rockfill dam forms the navigational channel providing navigation access from the Gaillard Cut to the new Post-Panamax Pacific Locks. A key geologic objective during construction was to confirm locations and activity of faults mapped at the dam during design, namely the Pedro Miguel Fault (PMF) and its suspected newly mapped trace. The design allowed for core and filter widening at the location of the PMF at the south abutment and at a west branch of the PMF (believed at the time to be the main active trace of the fault) mapped across the dam axis one-third of the way north from the south abutment. As-built geologic mapping revealed complex faulting associated with the PMF crossing the southeast half of the foundation, the PAC, and the nearby Dam 1W foundation along a north-south trend. Trenching and age dating of alluvium overlying the faults crossing the Dam 1E foundation and overlying the PMF at Dam 1W indicated the unfaulted alluvium was latest Pleistocene to early Holocene age. At Dam 1E, the core and filters were widened to accommodate potential fault rupture on the PMF and a previously unrecognized fault revealed across the width of the dam foundation. The west branch of the PMF (trenched and mapped during design investigations) was determined to not exist at Dam 1E based on mapping the dam foundation and other extensive excavations for the PAC.

Macrobioerosion and Microbioerosion in Marine Molluscan Shells from Holocene and Modern Beaches (39°–40°S, South of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)

AbstractThe marine sediments of the area of Verde Peninsula – Jabali Island (39°28′S/62°19′W–40°28′S/62°11′W) Holocene in age (3–2 ky), and modern beaches contain a significant amount of bioeroded mollusc shells. Fifteen sites were analyzed, in which 20.11% of the mollusc shells (2168 valves) presented bioerosion traces, in 54 species (30 bivalves and 24 gastropods). Fourteen ichnogenera were reported: Entobia, Maeandropolydora, Iramena, Caulostrepsis, Pennatichnus, Pinaceocladichnus, Trypanites, and Gastrochaenolites (Domichnia), Gnathichnus and Radulichnus (Pascichnia), Finichnus and Centrichnus (Fixichnia), Oichnus (Praedicnia) (macrobioerosion), y Semidendrina (microbioerosion), the latter is first reported in mollusc shells in Argentina. Eleven ichnospecies were identified Finichnus peristroma, Maeandropolydora sulcans, Gnathichnus pentax, Pinaceocladichnus onubensis, Caulostrepsis taeniola, Centrichnus eccentricus, Radulichnus inopinatus, Oichnus simplex, Oichnus paraboloides, Oichnus gradatus, and Gastrochaenolites torpedo (lithic remains). The dominant ichnogenera in the Holocene deposits are Iramena, Entobia and Oichnus. The same ichnogenera are constant with different abundance in the modern beaches, and increasing representation of Pinaceocladichnus and Pennatichnus. The dominant ichnofacies in the Holocene deposits is Trypanites, revealing a benthonic marine community composed of cheilostome bryzoans, clionaid sponges, predator gastropods, regular echinoids, polychaete annelids, bivalves, thallophytas and fungi. Generally, the area was described as a sublittoral, low‐energy, stable environment with high rate of oxygenation, and sandy bottoms, with rocky bottoms at Villalonga locality.

Stratigraphy, age and correlation of two widespread Late Holocene tephras preserved within Lake Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

ABSTRACTSediment cores were retrieved from Lake Kutubu, the largest upland lake in Papua New Guinea, to assess palaeoenvironmental baselines. Two prominent tephra layers were encountered within the cores. Using a combination of core stratigraphy, sediment properties and geochemical characterization (electron microprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled‐plasma mass spectrometry techniques) we were able to correlate these tephras with Tibito and Olgaboli tephras, both previously described at adjacent distal localities. Glass shard compositional data of Tibito tephra from Lake Kutubu, Kuk swamp and from proximal volcaniclastic successions from Long Island are indistinguishable and this similarity strongly supports Long Island as the eruptive source. For Olgaboli tephra, the location of its eruptive source is less certain but the glass shard compositional data indicate a Karkar Island source. The occurrence of Tibito and Olgaboli tephras in Lake Kubutu sediments extends their known distributions further south‐west into the southern Highlands region and affirms their importance as inter‐regional stratigraphic markers, of late Holocene age, that have considerable potential for use in future palaeoenvironmental, archaeological and volcanic hazard and/or impact studies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Coastal subsidence detected by Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometry and its effects coupled with future sea‐level rise: the case of the Sele Plain (Southern Italy)

The amount of coastal subsidence on the Sele River coastal plain has been examined and measured with local vertical land movement data. The vertical displacements, derived by satellite radar differential interferometry processing (Ps‐InSAR), show that the analysed coastal sector is characterised by a south‐eastward decrease of vertical subsidence rates. These results have been coupled with sea‐level rise (SLR) scenarios, in order to identify the most critical areas. In general, the subsidence mostly affects areas where alluvial deposits are thicker, the back‐dune areas and the Sele River mouth, all late Holocene in age. Five local SLR scenarios allow identifying zones in the plain potentially prone to inundation and the shoreline retreat for the years 2065 and 2100. For these dates, 2.2% and 7.06% of the investigated area will have a topography lower than the estimated future sea level. Moreover, results show that the extent of the areas potentially exposed to inundation and erosion increases moving from south to north.

Quaternary depositional facies in cave entrances and their relation to landscape evolution: The example of Cuvieri Cave, eastern Brazil

The correct determination of sedimentation processes in caves is often complicated by the unique characteristics of cave environments and their relationship to surface soil. A study at Cuvieri Cave has allowed new insights into the dynamics and evolution of these types of sedimentary facies and their relation to the nearby landscape. The cave is located in the Lagoa Santa Karst, eastern Brazil, and contains fossiliferous deposits of Pleistocene–Holocene age at the base of three vertical pits near the cave entrance. Facies analysis was applied to sediments to understand sedimentation process, and sediments were described according to their morphology, grain-size, micromorphology, chemical composition, paleontological content and age. Results indicate that all deposits present a soil-like aspect and although they record several depositional conditions, sedimentary structures and textures are similar among different facies. As such, facies were defined by a combination of matrix color, degree of cementation and sedimentological characteristics. Additionally, abundance of fauna remains, their taxonomic composition (extant vs extinct), completeness, and degree of individuals' articulation was evaluated. Differences between facies were produced by two main factors: (i) change in source area and transport route (from the epikarst to doline colluviation and back to epikarst) and (ii) change in type of sediment cover injected, from doline fed soils, followed by talus debris and finally soils from modern epikarst. The change in both factors is related to the landscape evolution, mainly with the development and progressive enlargement and deepening of the nearby doline. Additionally, the change in the type of sediment cover injected could also be related to climatic evolution. The complex evolution of Cuvieri Cave sediments occurred over at least the last 300kyr and is marked by periods in which entrance opening allowed the incorporation of vertebrate (both extinct and extant) remains into the sediment. Detailed multidisciplinary field and laboratory analyses are essential in unraveling the long history of sedimentation in caves, providing a framework in which multiple events of sediment input and erosion can be correctly interpreted and related to the evolution of the landscape.

The effect of speleothem surface slope on the remanent magnetic inclination

AbstractSpeleothems are of interest for high‐resolution reconstruction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, little is known about the influence of speleothem morphologies on their natural remanent magnetization (NRM) record. Here we report on a high‐resolution paleomagnetic study of a dome‐shaped speleothem of middle Holocene age from southern Portugal, with special attention to the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (AARM). To assess the potential influence of the slope of the speleothem surface on the recorded remanent magnetization, we compare magnetic directions and AMS and AARM fabrics from subhorizontal to gradually subvertical calcite growth layers collected in a transversal cross section of the speleothem. A linear correlation is observed between magnetic inclinations, calcite laminae slope, and AARM k1 inclination. The AMS fabric is mostly controlled by calcite crystals, with direction of the minimum axes (k3) perpendicular to laminae growth. Magnetic inclinations recorded in inclined and vertical calcite growth layers are underestimated when compared to a global paleosecular variation (PSV) model. After extrapolating magnetic inclinations to the horizontal, the corrected data better fit the PSV model but are still lower than the predicted magnetic inclinations, suggesting that inclination shallowing affects the entire speleothem. We suggest that speleothem morphology exerts a critical role on the magnetic inclination recording, which is controlled by the Earth's magnetic field but also influenced by particle rolling along the sloping surfaces. These observations open new avenues for reconstructing high‐resolution paleomagnetic secular variation records from speleothems and provide new insights into their NRM acquisition mechanisms.

Direct radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis of the Darra-i-Kur (Afghanistan) human temporal bone

The temporal bone discovered in the 1960s from the Darra-i-Kur cave in Afghanistan is often cited as one of the very few Pleistocene human fossils from Central Asia. Here we report the first direct radiocarbon date for the specimen and the genetic analyses of DNA extracted and sequenced from two areas of the bone. The new radiocarbon determination places the find to ∼4500 cal BP (∼2500 BCE) contradicting an assumed Palaeolithic age of ∼30,000 years, as originally suggested. The DNA retrieved from the specimen originates from a male individual who carried mitochondrial DNA of the modern human type. The petrous part yielded more endogenous ancient DNA molecules than the squamous part of the same bone. Molecular dating of the Darra-i-Kur mitochondrial DNA sequence corroborates the radiocarbon date and suggests that the specimen is younger than previously thought. Taken together, the results consolidate the fact that the human bone is not associated with the Pleistocene-age deposits of Darra-i-Kur; instead it is intrusive, possibly re-deposited from upper levels dating to much later periods (Neolithic). Despite its Holocene age, the Darra-i-Kur specimen is, so far, the first and only ancient human from Afghanistan whose DNA has been sequenced.

New data on stratigraphy (palynomorphs, ostracods, paleomagnetism) of Cenozoic continental deposits of the Ishim plain, Western Siberia

New micropaleontological and paleomagnetic data were obtained by studying core samples of Cenozoic continental deposits from two boreholes drilled in the south of Tyumen oblast (Western Siberia). Palynological assemblages in deposits of the Tavda (upper part), Novomikhailovka, Turtas, Abrosimovka, Tobolsk, Smirnovka, and Suzgun formations were described. Deposits of these formations are enriched in spore-pollen assemblages, which can be correlated with assemblages of regional palynozones of the West Siberian Plain. Ostracods were described in Quaternary deposits. On the basis of biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic data, the Late Eocene (Priabonian)–Holocene age of deposits was substantiated. For the first time, beds with dinocysts of genus Pseudokomewuia were identified in deposits of the Turtas Formation (Upper Oligocene) of the Ishim lithofacial area. In total, nine regional magnetozones were distinguished in the paleomagnetic section. On the basis of palynological and paleomagnetic data, sections of two boreholes were correlated, and hiatuses in sedimentation were revealed. A large hiatus is at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary (Western Siberia): the Lower Oligocene Atlym Horizon and Miocene–Pliocene and Eopleistocene sediments are missing. The Oligocene interval of the section is represented in a reduced volume.