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

J Hum Evol. 2010 Jul;59(1):109-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2010.04.009. Epub 2010 Jun 8.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Uranium
  • Thorium