How do we distinguish termite stone lines from artefact horizons? A challenge for geoarchaeology in tropical Australia

Mike Smith, Ingrid Ward, Ian Moffat

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Can we distinguish stone lines created by termite bioturbation from genuine artefact horizons? This is a challenge for field archaeology and geoarchaeology in northern Australia, where termites are abundant. We review published data to (a) present a model of the evolution of stone lines and (b) develop guidelines for recognizing these bioturbation products in archaeological contexts. In case studies, we examine Madjedbebe and Nauwalabila, two sites in northern Australia. The early occupation levels at these sites are pivotal to ideas about initial human occupation of the Australian landmass but there are claims these are unrecognized stone lines. Our assessment is that neither Madjedbebe nor Nauwalabila contain termite stone lines, although both sites may have complex geomorphic and taphonomic histories.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)232-242
Number of pages11
JournalGeoarchaeology-An International Journal
Volume35
Issue number2
Early online date16 Sept 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • artefact horizons
  • bioturbation
  • Madjedbebe
  • Nauwalabila
  • stone lines
  • termites

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How do we distinguish termite stone lines from artefact horizons? A challenge for geoarchaeology in tropical Australia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this