The sedimentology of some Transvaal hominid cave deposits and its environmental and chronological implications
Date
1980
Authors
Partridge, T. C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research
Abstract
The sedimentology of cave deposits is principally influenced by two sets of factors:
(1) those relating to the morphology of the depository and its evolution through time; and
(2) those resulting from external influences, including the production of sediments and their
introduction into the cave under varying conditions of climate and vegetation cover.
The interaction of these two sets of factors often poses unique sedimentological problems
which differ markedly from those encountered in other sedimentary environments. In particular,
the imprint of intracavernous conditions on specific sedimentary facies frequently complicates
interpretations relative to extracavernous environmental influences. Inferences from
sedimentological studies should, therefore, be supplemented as far as possible with other evidence
- for example from isotope analyses, palynology and faunal studies - in any meaningful
attempt to reconstruct ancient environments from these deposits.
The sequence of intracavernous events which occurred during the accumulation of the
Makapansgat and Sterkfontein Formations will be outlined in relation to the probable imprint
of external changes. When viewed in conjunction with the evidence of variations in the
concentrations of 13C and 18O in the various stratigraphic units and with interpretations relative
to the extent of the cover of woody vegetation near each site, a fairly consistent picture
of climate fluctuations emerges. These early fluctuations may, in a general way, parallel those
recorded by Shackleton and Opdyke in the northern hemisphere for the period between 3,2
My B.P. and the beginning of the Quaternary.
Description
Abstract of paper presented at 5th SASQUA Conference, July 1979
Keywords
cave deposits; environmental; chronological
Citation
None