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The Khvalynian transgressions and early human settlement in the Caspian basin

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Pavel Dolukhanov

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Abstract

Radiocarbon dates for both Lower and Upper Khavalynian transgressions fall in the timespan between 10 and 17 ka BP, with 13.6-11.8 ka BP, as the most probable age. This transgression supposedly proceeded as a rapid succession of sea-level fluctuations. The initial emergence of Mousterian industries in the Caspian basin as indicated by the Volgograd site, might be correlated with a mild interval preceding the Atelian regression, which was broadly contemporaneous with the Last Glacial maximum (25-18 ka BP). The subsequent expansion of Mousterian sites was largely coeval with the Khvalynian transgression. Supposedly, specific environments that arose in the Caspian basin favoured a prolonged conservation of the Mousterian technique, and, possibly, a survival of Neanderthal populations. A possible factor is a 'cascade' of Eurasian basins that included the Caspian-Black Sea 'spillway', which effectively isolated the Caucasian-Central-Asian area. © 2009.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Dolukhanov P, Chepalyga A, Lavrentiev N

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Quaternary International

Year: 2010

Volume: 225

Issue: 2

Pages: 152-159

ISSN (print): 1040-6182

ISSN (electronic): 1873-4553

Publisher: Pergamon

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2009.10.039

DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2009.10.039

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