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Vestnik Otdelenia nauk o Zemle RAN VOL. 2, NZ6026, doi:10.2205/2010NZ000044, 2010

Magnetic and microprobe studies of deposits paleolithic site in the mezmaiskaya cave (Northern Caucasus)

Pospelova G. A., L. V. Golovanova, V. B. Doronichev, V. A. Tselmovich


Abstract

The paper presents the results of magnetic and microprobes studies of the deposits in the unique paleolithic site in Mezmaiskaya cave. The number of characteristics of deposition analysis is presented. The study concerns all 17 layers corresponding to the range of ages >73 to ~10 ka. It is determined that the rocks of the layer have 1C the maximal of magnetic susceptibilities (K) up 2500×10-6 SI, which is related to the intensive activity of the ancient humans. The minimal detected values for K=50-57x10-6SI correspond to the rocks of layer 2. The size of magnetic grains of rocks in the section is inhomogeneous. The largest sizes of grains correspond to the middle part of the section. The superparamagnetic fraction found in the rocks of all layers. This fact signifies that the cave was opened during the whole studied period (starting from layer 4). The main carrier of the rock magnetization in the section is magnetite. 20% of probes contain also the small portion of hematite, and also the sulfides are detected in 37% of probes. The rocks containing the sulfides are not applicable for paleomagnetic study. The detailed microprobe analysis gives the chemical composition for the layers section: 1D, 2B-1, 2B-3. A large number of chemical elements (18) such as Co, Cr, Ni, V, Zn, Zr is detected in the layers 2B-1 and 1D. Contents of iron, titanium, chrome, manganese, and others impurities varies from grain to grain. The microprobe analysis of studied layers 2B-1 and 1D indicates a set of magnetic particles of composition typical of volcanic rocks. Ash origination of these rocks is assumed.

Received 28 April 2010; published 5 June 2010.


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Citation: Pospelova G. A., L. V. Golovanova, V. B. Doronichev, V. A. Tselmovich (2010), Magnetic and microprobe studies of deposits paleolithic site in the mezmaiskaya cave (Northern Caucasus), Vestn. Otd. nauk Zemle, 2, NZ6026, doi:10.2205/2010NZ000044.

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