ESTABLISHING A CHRONOLOGY FOR LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION AROUND A FINAL PALAEOLITHIC SITE AT ARENDONK‐KORHAAN (NE BELGIUM): FIRST RESULTS FROM OPTICALLY STIMULATED LUMINESCENCE DATING

Authors

  • C. Derese Laboratory of Mineralogy and Petrology (Luminescence Research Group), Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S8), B‐9000 Gent, Belgium
  • D. A. G. Vandenberghe Laboratory of Mineralogy and Petrology (Luminescence Research Group), Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S8), B‐9000 Gent, Belgium
  • M. van Gils Flemish Heritage Institute, Phoenix Building, Koning Albert II‐laan 19, Bus 5, B‐1210 Brussel, Belgium
  • B. Vanmontfort Prehistorical Archaeology Unit, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, PB 2409, B‐3001 Heverlee, Belgium
  • E. Meirsman Prehistorical Archaeology Unit, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, PB 2409, B‐3001 Heverlee, Belgium
  • F. Mees Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B‐3080 Tervuren, Belgium
  • P. van den Haute Laboratory of Mineralogy and Petrology (Luminescence Research Group), Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S8), B‐9000 Gent, Belgium

Keywords:

optically stimulated luminescence; quartz; Final Palaeolithic; coversand; Late Glacial; Usselo Soil; Federmesser

Abstract

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating was applied to constrain the timing of aeolian activity and surface stability around the Final Palaeolithic site at Arendonk‐Korhaan. The sequence under investigation consists of coversands and an intercalated bleached horizon, which is thought to represent the Usselo Soil of Allerød age. This horizon contains a concentration of lithics that can be attributed to the Final Palaeolithic Federmesser culture. All samples show satisfactory luminescence characteristics. While the equivalent doses and dose rates show an unexpected spread, the resulting optical ages are internally consistent and in agreement with geological and archaeological expectations. The coversands under‐  and overlying the bleached horizon are dated at 14.2 ± 1.1 ka (n = 5) and 11.7 ± 0.9 ka (n = 2), respectively; the horizon itself yields an age of 14.1 ± 1.3 ka. As such, the results allow distinguishing two discrete phases of aeolian deposition, and they confirm that the intercalated bleached horizon represents the Usselo Soil of Allerød age. It is concluded that, throughout the Late Glacial, the site was only fit for human occupation during the milder climatic and environmental conditions of the Allerød stage.

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Published

2023-07-25

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