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Dynamic shorelines and submerged topography: the neglected variables

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Geoffrey N. Bailey*
Affiliation:
*Department of Archaeology, University of York, King's Manor, York YO1 7EP, UK

Extract

Atholl Anderson's comment (above) on the recent finds from Jerimalai draws attention to the dangers of over-interpreting the wider significance of marine resources present in Pleistocene coastal sites without careful evaluation of at least three variables: (1) the accurate identification of the species represented and hence of their behaviour and accessibility to capture; (2) the actual quantities and rates of accumulation of the marine food remains; and (3) local ecological and oceanographic conditions. To these I would add a fourth variable: the bathymetry and submerged topography of the marine environment adjacent to the sites in question—the physical structure of what one might call the 'offshore catchment'—and changes resulting from relative sea level variation (including eustatic and isostatic/tectonic effects).

Type
Debate
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 2013

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References

Bailey, G.N., King, G.C.P., Devès, M., Hausmann, N., Inglis, R., Laurie, E., Meredith-Williams, M., Momber, G., Winder, I., Alsharekh, A. & Sakellariou, D.. 2012a. DISPERSE: dynamic landscapes, coastal environments and human dispersals. Antiquity 86. Available at: http://antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/bailey334/ (accessed 20 May 2013).Google Scholar
Bailey, G.N., Sakellariou, D. & members of the SPLASHCOS network. 2012b. Submerged prehistoric archaeology & landscapes of the continental shelf. Antiquity 86. Available at: http://antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/sakellariou334/ (accessed 20 May 2013).Google Scholar
O'Connor, S., Ono, R. & Clarkson, C.. 2011. Pelagic fishing at 42 000 years before the present and the maritime skills of modern humans. Science 334: 11171121.Google Scholar