Stratigraphic context and direct dating of the Neandertal mandible from Cova del Gegant (Sitges, Barcelona).

Abstract

Stratigraphic study of the Cova del Gegant's sedimentary fill revealed different cycles of accumulation of typical interior cave and delta facies. A precise chronology for these deposits, the faunal remains and stone tools contained therein was obtained by radiocarbon, U-Th and OSL. Our results indicate that the Upper Pleistocene archaeological sequence dates between 49.3 +/- 1.8 ka BP, the U-Th age of the overlying flowstone, and 60.0 +/- 3.9 ka BP, the OSL age of the basal deposits. We have also directly dated the site's Neandertal mandible to 52.3 +/- 2.3 ka by U-Th.

• Authors: J Daura, M Sanz, A W G Pike, M E Subirà, J J Fornós, J M Fullola, R Julià, J Zilhão
• Journal: Journal of human evolution (J Hum Evol) Vol. 59 Issue 1 Pg. 109-22 (Jul 2010) ISSN: 1095-8606 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20570316 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Uranium
• Thorium

Topics

• Animals
• Fossils
• Geologic Sediments (chemistry)
• Hominidae (anatomy & histology)
• Humans
• Mandible (anatomy & histology)
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Spain
• Thorium (analysis)
• Uranium (analysis)
• X-Ray Diffraction