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Morpho-Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Radiocarbon Chronology of Suyanggae Sites, Focusing on Loc. VI, South Korea

https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2023.51.3.096-108

Abstract

We reconstruct the processes of sedimentation at the Suyanggae Paleolithic sites, geomorphologically characterized by fl uvial terraces in the Namhan River, the base level of which is higher than the present river bottom. The fl uvial sedimentary deposits, slope deposits, and paleosols are the main units of surfi cial deposits, constituting the site materials of Suyanggae Loc. VI. According to the representative profi les of the site, the deposits comprise sands and gravel at the bottom part, while sands and fl ooding muds with occasional intercalations of reddish-brown slope muds, as well as rounded or subangular cobbles or boulders, dominate the middle to upper part. Regarding the terrace’s morpho-stratigraphy, Suyanggae Loc. VI is located above the low (second) fl uvial terrace. Considering the chronology of site material formations, Suyanggae Loc. VI was formed in the last glacial period. On the basis of radiocarbon dates obtained for the charcoals from Suyanggae Loc. VI, the age of cultural layers is determined. Cultural layer 2 was formed in the late Upper Paleolithic, and CL 3 and CL 4 are associated with the early Upper Paleolithic. The archaeological assemblage of Suyanggae Loc. VI is described: lithic artifacts of CL 2 are characterized by abundant microblades (ca 20 ka BP, Last Glacial Maximum), while those of CL 3 and CL 4 are associated with tanged points and blades (36–42 ka BP, middle of the last glacial period). Especially noted are a line-engraved cobble stone excavated from the sedimentary matrix of fl uvial origin, and a face-engraved pebble stone found in fl ooding muds. The fi nds are interpreted as manifestation of symbolic human behavior.

About the Authors

J. Y. Kim
Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

124 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34132



Y. J. Lee
Institute of Korean Prehistory
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

120 beon-gil 25, Yongambuk-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28736



J. Y. Woo
Institute of Korean Prehistory
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

120 beon-gil 25, Yongambuk-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28736



S. W. Lee
Institute of Korean Prehistory
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

120 beon-gil 25, Yongambuk-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28736



H. S. Suh
Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

267 Gajeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113



K. J. Kim
Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

124 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34132



H. J. Yang
Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

776 Daedeuk-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34055



K. W. Lee
University of Wyoming
United States

1000E. University Ave., Laramie, WY, 82071-2000



W. H. Choi
Convergence Technology Research Institute for Cultural Heritage
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

19, Nakseongdae Station-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08793



K. C. Oh
Institute of Quaternary Environment
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

566 Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34121



References

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For citations:


Kim J.Y., Lee Y.J., Woo J.Y., Lee S.W., Suh H.S., Kim K.J., Yang H.J., Lee K.W., Choi W.H., Oh K.C. Morpho-Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Radiocarbon Chronology of Suyanggae Sites, Focusing on Loc. VI, South Korea. Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia. 2023;51(3):96-108. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2023.51.3.096-108

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