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Joaquín Vidal

Huelva University, Geodinámica y Paleontología, Faculty Member

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Phone: +34.959219862
Address: Dept. Geodinámica y Paleontología, Facultad de CC Experimentales, Campus del Carmen, 21071-Huelva, Spain

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Jose Maria Gutierrez Lopez

Museo Histórico Municipal de Villamartín, Cádiz, España

The University of Gibraltar

Andre Carlo Colonese

University of York

David Cuenca Solana

Universidad de Cantabria

Igor Gutiérrez-Zugasti

Universidad de Cantabria

Javier Fernández-López de Pablo

University of Alicante / Universidad de Alicante

Juan Jesús Cantillo Duarte

Universidad de Cadiz

Sergio Almisas Cruz

Universidad de Cadiz

Antonio Barrena-Tocino

Universidad de Cadiz

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papers by Joaquín Vidal

Marine mollusc exploitation as evidenced by the Gorham's Cave (Gibraltar) excavations 1998–2005: The Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition

Quaternary International, 2016

There is increasing evidence that humans have exploited intertidal and shallow-water species for ... more There is increasing evidence that humans have exploited intertidal and shallow-water species for much longer than has been previously considered, and certainly not restricted to Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH). One of the principal reasons for the lack of evidence up till recently has been a lack of consideration for the temporal and spatial backdrop to such activities throughout human evolution, in particular related to changes in sea-level during the Pleistocene (Bailey et al., 2008). This study reports on the marine molluscs excavated from Gorham's Cave between 1998 and 2005, focussing in particular between levels III and IV, corresponding to the Upper (AMH) and Middle Palaeolithic (Neanderthals), respectively. Given that Gorham's Cave was never more than approximately 2 km away from the coastline, it still preserves evidence of exploitation of marine molluscs for food by Neanderthals and in this article the data obtained are compared across the MiddleeUpper Palaeolithic transition. The results obtained suggest a high degree of consistency in the mode of marine mollusc exploitation between levels, and comparisons with extant communities supports the contention that marine molluscs were exploited in direct proportion to their relative abundance and accessibility. Patterns in shell size distributions for some of the main species exploited are discussed, as are possible anthropic valve selection and the marine climatic signals that can be extracted from such data. The main difference that emerges between Upper and Middle Palaeolithic levels was a lack of evidence of collection for decoration in Middle Palaeolithic levels, but even here the relatively small size of the Level IV sample precluded totally excluding this possibility based only on absence of evidence.

Morphologic and bioerosive features from an old marine highstand: the Cabililla archaeological shelter, Benzú, Ceuta

The micro-morphologic and bioerosive features, analyzed in the Benzú shelter (Ceuta), allow us to... more The micro-morphologic and bioerosive features, analyzed in the Benzú shelter (Ceuta), allow us to deduce an erosion marine surface elaborated onto dolomite triassic substrate. The Entobia-Gastrochaenolites Ichnoassociation and Entobia ichnofacies denote high energy coastal or shallow marine environment with low sedimentation rates. Two phases are differentiated in the evolution of these bioerosive structures: the first one defined by great borings of Gastrochaenolites, and the second recorded by bioerosive activity of Entobia and truncation of both, the previous borings and the cliff surface

Bray, una cueva sepulcral de la Edad del Bronce en el Peñón de Gibraltar

SAGVNTVM. Papeles del Laboratorio de Arqueología de Valencia

Las excavaciones en la Cueva de Bray en Gibraltar han documentado una serie de enterramientos de ... more Las excavaciones en la Cueva de Bray en Gibraltar han documentado una serie de enterramientos de la Edad de Bronce, esto supone una nueva aportación al conocimiento de la ocupación prehistórica del Peñón de Gibraltar y se convierte en una referencia regional para el estudio de los rituales funerarios de este período.

Using birds as indicators of Neanderthal environmental quality: Gibraltar and Zafarraya compared

Quaternary International, 2016

We compare the Middle Palaeolithic sites of Gibraltar and Zafarraya in southern Iberia. We use bi... more We compare the Middle Palaeolithic sites of Gibraltar and Zafarraya in southern Iberia. We use birds as indicators of environmental quality and demonstrate huge differences between coastal and inland, mountain, sites separated by less than 150 km. We conclude that the Gibraltar sites represented locations of repeated occupation by Neanderthals over tens of millennia whereas Zafarraya represents a site of sporadic visits for particular prey. This is in response to very different climatic conditions. Our results show how important ecological quality is in understanding Palaeolithic sites and metapopulations and how birds are particularly informative in our understanding of the ecology of such sites.

Primeras ocupaciones humanas y fase antigua del Paleolítico Medio meridional ibérico en la bahía de Málaga

En este trabajo abordamos el análisis geoarqueológico y cronoestratigráfico de los indicios arque... more En este trabajo abordamos el análisis geoarqueológico y cronoestratigráfico de los indicios arqueológicos más antiguos de frecuentación humana en el sector occidental de la Bahía de Málaga. Los datos disponibles permiten ubicar dichas evidencias, como mínimo, en momentos plenos del Pleistoceno medio. Asimismo, tratamos aspectos tecnológicos, paleoambientales, cronológicos o subsistenciales, así como otros relacionados con la explotación del territorio durante el estadio isotópico (MIS) 6. Los datos disponibles apuntan a que los rasgos definitorios del Paleolítico medio meridional ibérico ya estaban vigentes en esta zona hace 150.000 años.

Analysis of the recent storm record in the southwestern Spanish coast: implications for littoral management

Science of The Total Environment, 2003

This work compares the geomorphologic evolution of the Huelva coast (SW Spain), some climatic-oce... more This work compares the geomorphologic evolution of the Huelva coast (SW Spain), some climatic-oceanographic data of the Cadiz Gulf and the recent storm record of this zone, covering the last 4 decades (1956-1996). Ań interesting correlation was found between the southwestern wind periodicity, the number of storm periods and the beach ridges observed in the main spits (El Rompido and Donana). The spectral analysis of the wind time series permits to establish two most probable levels of periodicity: 6 and 9-10 years. Both periods coincide with the storm record and the creation of new beach ridges after a high-energy period. Beach damage, another storm-induced effect, was analysed by deducing different implications for the future management of tourist localities.

Population age structure techniques and ostracods: Applications in coastal hydrodynamics and paleoenvironmental analysis

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 2003

Ostracods are microcrustaceans that grow by moulting (eight to nine instars in most cases) and, c... more Ostracods are microcrustaceans that grow by moulting (eight to nine instars in most cases) and, consequently, studies of its populations need the application of some special techniques. The population age structure techniques [Whatley, in: Ostracoda in the Earth Sciences, 1988, pp. 245–256] are a simple statistical method to estimate paleoenvironmental conditions in fossil/Recent populations of ostracods. For its application, it

A rock engraving made by Neanderthals in Gibraltar

The production of purposely made painted or engraved designs on cave walls—a means of recording a... more The production of purposely made painted or engraved designs on cave walls—a means of recording and transmitting symbolic codes in a durable manner—is recognized as a major cognitive step in human evolution. Considered exclusive to modern humans, this behavior has been used to argue in favor of significant cognitive differences between our direct ancestors and contemporary archaic hominins, including the Neanderthals. Here we present the first known example of an abstract pattern engraved by Neanderthals, from Gorham’s Cave in Gibraltar. It consists of a deeply impressed cross-hatching carved into the bedrock of the cave that has remained covered by an undisturbed archaeological level containing Mousterian artifacts made by Neanderthals and is older than 39 cal kyr BP. Geochemical analysis of the epigenetic coating over the engravings and experimental replication show that the engraving was made before accumulation of the archaeological layers, and that most of the lines composing t...

Environmental conditions and geomorphologic changes during the Middle–Upper Paleolithic in the southern Iberian Peninsula

by Miguel Cortés Sánchez and Joaquín Vidal

This study utilizes geomorphology, marine sediment data, environmental reconstructions and the Go... more This study utilizes geomorphology, marine sediment data, environmental reconstructions and the Gorham's Cave occupational record during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition to illustrate the impacts of climate changes on human population dynamics in the Western Mediterranean. Geomorphologic evolution has been dated and appears to be driven primarily by coastal dune systems, sea-level changes and seismo-tectonic evolution. Continental and marine records are well correlated and used to interpret the Gorham's Cave sequence. Specific focus is given to the three hiatus sections found in Gorham's Cave during Heinrich periods 4, 3 and 2. These time intervals are compared with a wide range of regional geomorphologic, climatic, paleoseismic, faunal and archeological records. Our data compilations indicate that climatic and local geo-morphologic changes explain the Homo sapiens spp. occupational hiatuses during Heinrich periods 4 and 3. The last hiatus corresponds to the replacement of Homo neanderthalensis by H. sapiens. Records of dated cave openings, slope breccias and stalactite falls suggest that marked geomorphologic changes, seismic activity and ecological perturbations occurred during the period when Homo replacement took place.

Rapid coastal diapiric uplift in Cádiz Bay (SW Spain). Implications on OIS 3 sea level reconstruction

by Alonso Villalobos, F. Javier Gracia, and Joaquín Vidal

The Bay of Cádiz, of about 30 km length and 15 km width, is located at the south-atlantic margin ... more The Bay of Cádiz, of about 30 km length and 15 km width, is located at the south-atlantic margin of the Iberian Peninsula, southwards of the Guadalquivir river mouth. Geologically it is located within the Subbetic Zone of the Betic Ranges. The origin of the Bay is related to vertical tectonic movements during a distensive phase in the upper Miocene -Pliocene . This depression was occupied by a deltaic sedimentary system developed during the middle and upper Pliocene until the lower Pleistocene, giving rise to a stratigraphic unit with mixed fluvial and littoral characteristics.

Aplicación de la geoarqueología al estudio de cambios costeros postflandrienses en la Bahía de Cádiz

by Alonso Villalobos, Joaquín Vidal, and F. Javier Gracia

Earliest Known Use of Marine Resources by Neanderthals

by Nuno Bicho, Darren A Fa, Miguel Cortés Sánchez, María D. Simón-Vallejo, José Antonio López Sáez, and Joaquín Vidal

Numerous studies along the northern Mediterranean borderland have documented the use of shellfish... more Numerous studies along the northern Mediterranean borderland have documented the use of shellfish by Neanderthals but none of these finds are prior to Marine Isotopic Stage 3 (MIS 3). In this paper we present evidence that gathering and consumption of mollusks can now be traced back to the lowest level of the archaeological sequence at Bajondillo Cave (Málaga, Spain), dated during the MIS 6. The paper describes the taxonomical and taphonomical features of the mollusc assemblages from this level Bj19 and briefly touches upon those retrieved in levels Bj18 (MIS 5) and Bj17 (MIS 4), evidencing a continuity of the shellfishing activity that reaches to MIS 3. This evidence is substantiated on 29 datings through radiocarbon, thermoluminescence and U series methods. Obtained dates and paleoenvironmental records from the cave include isotopic, pollen, lithostratigraphic and sedimentological analyses and they are fully coherent with palaeoclimate conditions expected for the different stages. We conclude that described use of shellfish resources by Neanderthals (H. neanderthalensis) in Southern Spain started ~150 ka and were almost contemporaneous to Pinnacle Point (South Africa), when shellfishing is first documented in archaic modern humans

Late survival of Neanderthals at the southernmost extreme of Europe

by Christopher Gleed-owen, Francisco J. Giles Guzmán, Francisco J. Jimenez Espejo, Jose Maria Gutierrez Lopez, José Antonio López Sáez, Joaquín Vidal, and Pilar López

Nature, 2006

The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern human... more The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern humans is now clear for southeast Asia. In Europe the extinction of the Neanderthals, firmly associated with Mousterian technology, has received much attention, and evidence of their survival after 35 kyr bp has recently been put in doubt. Here we present data, based on a high-resolution record of human occupation from Gorham's Cave, Gibraltar, that establish the survival of a population of Neanderthals to 28 kyr bp. These Neanderthals survived in the southernmost point of Europe, within a particular physiographic context, and are the last currently recorded anywhere. Our results show that the Neanderthals survived in isolated refuges well after the arrival of modern humans in Europe.

Las arenas eólicas del Pleistoceno Superior en Gibraltar

by Darren A Fa, Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro, Joaquín Vidal, and F. Ruiz

Geogaceta, Jan 1, 2010

CITATIONS 2 READS 65 8 authors, including:

L’abri de Benzú (Ceuta). Un site avec une technologiede Mode 3-Paléolithique moyen dans le Nord de l’Afrique

by Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal, José Ramos Muñoz, Eduardo Vijande-Vila, Antonio Barrena-Tocino, Salvador Domínguez-Bella, Sergio Almisas Cruz, Joaquín Vidal, Paloma Uzquiano Ollero, Ignacio Clemente Conte, Jesús Toledo, and Eduardo Vijande

Espeleotemas y morfogénesis exokárstica. El ejemplo de la Sierra del Endrinal (Grazalema, Cádiz)

by Joaquín Vidal and Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro

Late survival of Neanderthals at the southernmost extreme of Europe

by Darren A Fa, Joaquín Vidal, Geraldine Finlayson, Antonio Villalpando, Christopher Gleed-owen, and José Antonio López Sáez

Nature, Jan 1, 2006

The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern huma... more The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long
contemporaneity with modern humans is now clear for southeast
Asia. In Europe the extinction of the Neanderthals, firmly associated with Mousterian technology, has received much attention, and evidence of their survival after 35 kyr BP has recently been put in doubt. Here we present data, based on a high-resolution record of human occupation from Gorham’s Cave, Gibraltar, that establish the survival of a population of Neanderthals to 28 kyr BP. These Neanderthals survived in the southernmost point of Europe, within a particular physiographic context, and are the last currently recorded anywhere. Our results show that the Neanderthals survived in isolated refuges well after the arrival of modern humans in Europe.

La Grotte du Boquete de Zafarraya (Malaga, Andalousie)

by Jean-louis Vernet, Antonio Rodríguez-Ramírez, Salvador Bailon, and Joaquín Vidal

Ecological transitions-but for whom? A perspective from the Pleistocene

by Darren A Fa, Antonio Monclova, Francisco Giles, and Joaquín Vidal

Palaeogeography, …, Jan 1, 2011

This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition betwee... more This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition between the Early and Middle Pleistocene between 1.2 and 0.5 million years ago. Our knowledge about biotic changes during this transition has been so far largely based on studies of large mammals. Here we address the issue whether all faunal groups were equally affected. Three datasets have been used: (a) European large mammals present in the Middle and Late Pleistocene, (b) European fossil bird species recorded from the Early, Middle and Late Pleistocene of Europe, and (c) present-day birds currently classified in subfamilies that contain at least one Palaearctic representative species. Each species was allocated to all those geographical areas, climates, habitats in which it is present today; migratory status was also recorded. These datasets serve to undertake a biochronological analysis of mammal and bird groups, thus establishing patterns and processes of extinction and survival at the genus and species levels. The end of the Middle Pleistocene appears to have been a significant boundary in respect of herbivorous mammals, which suffered considerable depletion. In contrast, most genera and species of European birds in the Middle Pleistocene survived into the Late Pleistocene, even to the present day. Furthermore, at least 58% of the Middle-Pleistocene bird species were already present in the Early Pleistocene record. The most successful survivors in the Palaearctic Pleistocene were species from genera that had been the most climatically-tolerant during the late Cenozoic, usually from speciose and widely-distributed genera. We conclude that major transitions in Earth history have leant largely on biochronology and the perceived turnovers of faunas. Boundaries have usually depended heavily on changes to specific taxa of organisms. In this paper we show that what may appear as epic boundaries are largely scaleand taxon-dependent. Their usefulness must therefore be open to question. Here we advocate an individualistic and taxon specific approach in understanding the major ecological changes that have marked the history organisms.

Ecological transitions-but for whom? A perspective from the Pleistocene

by Antonio Monclova, Darren A Fa, Joaquín Vidal, and Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal

Palaeogeography, …, Jan 1, 2011

This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition betwee... more This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition between the Early and Middle Pleistocene between 1.2 and 0.5 million years ago. Our knowledge about biotic changes during this transition has been so far largely based on studies of large mammals. Here we address the issue whether all faunal groups were equally affected. Three datasets have been used: (a) European large mammals present in the Middle and Late Pleistocene, (b) European fossil bird species recorded from the Early, Middle and Late Pleistocene of Europe, and (c) present-day birds currently classified in subfamilies that contain at least one Palaearctic representative species. Each species was allocated to all those geographical areas, climates, habitats in which it is present today; migratory status was also recorded. These datasets serve to undertake a biochronological analysis of mammal and bird groups, thus establishing patterns and processes of extinction and survival at the genus and species levels. The end of the Middle Pleistocene appears to have been a significant boundary in respect of herbivorous mammals, which suffered considerable depletion. In contrast, most genera and species of European birds in the Middle Pleistocene survived into the Late Pleistocene, even to the present day. Furthermore, at least 58% of the Middle-Pleistocene bird species were already present in the Early Pleistocene record. The most successful survivors in the Palaearctic Pleistocene were species from genera that had been the most climatically-tolerant during the late Cenozoic, usually from speciose and widely-distributed genera. We conclude that major transitions in Earth history have leant largely on biochronology and the perceived turnovers of faunas. Boundaries have usually depended heavily on changes to specific taxa of organisms. In this paper we show that what may appear as epic boundaries are largely scale- and taxon-dependent. Their usefulness must therefore be open to question. Here we advocate an individualistic and taxon specific approach in understanding the major ecological changes that have marked the history organisms.

Marine mollusc exploitation as evidenced by the Gorham's Cave (Gibraltar) excavations 1998–2005: The Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition

Quaternary International, 2016

There is increasing evidence that humans have exploited intertidal and shallow-water species for ... more There is increasing evidence that humans have exploited intertidal and shallow-water species for much longer than has been previously considered, and certainly not restricted to Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH). One of the principal reasons for the lack of evidence up till recently has been a lack of consideration for the temporal and spatial backdrop to such activities throughout human evolution, in particular related to changes in sea-level during the Pleistocene (Bailey et al., 2008). This study reports on the marine molluscs excavated from Gorham's Cave between 1998 and 2005, focussing in particular between levels III and IV, corresponding to the Upper (AMH) and Middle Palaeolithic (Neanderthals), respectively. Given that Gorham's Cave was never more than approximately 2 km away from the coastline, it still preserves evidence of exploitation of marine molluscs for food by Neanderthals and in this article the data obtained are compared across the MiddleeUpper Palaeolithic transition. The results obtained suggest a high degree of consistency in the mode of marine mollusc exploitation between levels, and comparisons with extant communities supports the contention that marine molluscs were exploited in direct proportion to their relative abundance and accessibility. Patterns in shell size distributions for some of the main species exploited are discussed, as are possible anthropic valve selection and the marine climatic signals that can be extracted from such data. The main difference that emerges between Upper and Middle Palaeolithic levels was a lack of evidence of collection for decoration in Middle Palaeolithic levels, but even here the relatively small size of the Level IV sample precluded totally excluding this possibility based only on absence of evidence.

Morphologic and bioerosive features from an old marine highstand: the Cabililla archaeological shelter, Benzú, Ceuta

The micro-morphologic and bioerosive features, analyzed in the Benzú shelter (Ceuta), allow us to... more The micro-morphologic and bioerosive features, analyzed in the Benzú shelter (Ceuta), allow us to deduce an erosion marine surface elaborated onto dolomite triassic substrate. The Entobia-Gastrochaenolites Ichnoassociation and Entobia ichnofacies denote high energy coastal or shallow marine environment with low sedimentation rates. Two phases are differentiated in the evolution of these bioerosive structures: the first one defined by great borings of Gastrochaenolites, and the second recorded by bioerosive activity of Entobia and truncation of both, the previous borings and the cliff surface

Bray, una cueva sepulcral de la Edad del Bronce en el Peñón de Gibraltar

SAGVNTVM. Papeles del Laboratorio de Arqueología de Valencia

Las excavaciones en la Cueva de Bray en Gibraltar han documentado una serie de enterramientos de ... more Las excavaciones en la Cueva de Bray en Gibraltar han documentado una serie de enterramientos de la Edad de Bronce, esto supone una nueva aportación al conocimiento de la ocupación prehistórica del Peñón de Gibraltar y se convierte en una referencia regional para el estudio de los rituales funerarios de este período.

Using birds as indicators of Neanderthal environmental quality: Gibraltar and Zafarraya compared

Quaternary International, 2016

We compare the Middle Palaeolithic sites of Gibraltar and Zafarraya in southern Iberia. We use bi... more We compare the Middle Palaeolithic sites of Gibraltar and Zafarraya in southern Iberia. We use birds as indicators of environmental quality and demonstrate huge differences between coastal and inland, mountain, sites separated by less than 150 km. We conclude that the Gibraltar sites represented locations of repeated occupation by Neanderthals over tens of millennia whereas Zafarraya represents a site of sporadic visits for particular prey. This is in response to very different climatic conditions. Our results show how important ecological quality is in understanding Palaeolithic sites and metapopulations and how birds are particularly informative in our understanding of the ecology of such sites.

Primeras ocupaciones humanas y fase antigua del Paleolítico Medio meridional ibérico en la bahía de Málaga

En este trabajo abordamos el análisis geoarqueológico y cronoestratigráfico de los indicios arque... more En este trabajo abordamos el análisis geoarqueológico y cronoestratigráfico de los indicios arqueológicos más antiguos de frecuentación humana en el sector occidental de la Bahía de Málaga. Los datos disponibles permiten ubicar dichas evidencias, como mínimo, en momentos plenos del Pleistoceno medio. Asimismo, tratamos aspectos tecnológicos, paleoambientales, cronológicos o subsistenciales, así como otros relacionados con la explotación del territorio durante el estadio isotópico (MIS) 6. Los datos disponibles apuntan a que los rasgos definitorios del Paleolítico medio meridional ibérico ya estaban vigentes en esta zona hace 150.000 años.

Analysis of the recent storm record in the southwestern Spanish coast: implications for littoral management

Science of The Total Environment, 2003

This work compares the geomorphologic evolution of the Huelva coast (SW Spain), some climatic-oce... more This work compares the geomorphologic evolution of the Huelva coast (SW Spain), some climatic-oceanographic data of the Cadiz Gulf and the recent storm record of this zone, covering the last 4 decades (1956-1996). Ań interesting correlation was found between the southwestern wind periodicity, the number of storm periods and the beach ridges observed in the main spits (El Rompido and Donana). The spectral analysis of the wind time series permits to establish two most probable levels of periodicity: 6 and 9-10 years. Both periods coincide with the storm record and the creation of new beach ridges after a high-energy period. Beach damage, another storm-induced effect, was analysed by deducing different implications for the future management of tourist localities.

Population age structure techniques and ostracods: Applications in coastal hydrodynamics and paleoenvironmental analysis

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 2003

Ostracods are microcrustaceans that grow by moulting (eight to nine instars in most cases) and, c... more Ostracods are microcrustaceans that grow by moulting (eight to nine instars in most cases) and, consequently, studies of its populations need the application of some special techniques. The population age structure techniques [Whatley, in: Ostracoda in the Earth Sciences, 1988, pp. 245–256] are a simple statistical method to estimate paleoenvironmental conditions in fossil/Recent populations of ostracods. For its application, it

A rock engraving made by Neanderthals in Gibraltar

The production of purposely made painted or engraved designs on cave walls—a means of recording a... more The production of purposely made painted or engraved designs on cave walls—a means of recording and transmitting symbolic codes in a durable manner—is recognized as a major cognitive step in human evolution. Considered exclusive to modern humans, this behavior has been used to argue in favor of significant cognitive differences between our direct ancestors and contemporary archaic hominins, including the Neanderthals. Here we present the first known example of an abstract pattern engraved by Neanderthals, from Gorham’s Cave in Gibraltar. It consists of a deeply impressed cross-hatching carved into the bedrock of the cave that has remained covered by an undisturbed archaeological level containing Mousterian artifacts made by Neanderthals and is older than 39 cal kyr BP. Geochemical analysis of the epigenetic coating over the engravings and experimental replication show that the engraving was made before accumulation of the archaeological layers, and that most of the lines composing t...

Environmental conditions and geomorphologic changes during the Middle–Upper Paleolithic in the southern Iberian Peninsula

by Miguel Cortés Sánchez and Joaquín Vidal

This study utilizes geomorphology, marine sediment data, environmental reconstructions and the Go... more This study utilizes geomorphology, marine sediment data, environmental reconstructions and the Gorham's Cave occupational record during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition to illustrate the impacts of climate changes on human population dynamics in the Western Mediterranean. Geomorphologic evolution has been dated and appears to be driven primarily by coastal dune systems, sea-level changes and seismo-tectonic evolution. Continental and marine records are well correlated and used to interpret the Gorham's Cave sequence. Specific focus is given to the three hiatus sections found in Gorham's Cave during Heinrich periods 4, 3 and 2. These time intervals are compared with a wide range of regional geomorphologic, climatic, paleoseismic, faunal and archeological records. Our data compilations indicate that climatic and local geo-morphologic changes explain the Homo sapiens spp. occupational hiatuses during Heinrich periods 4 and 3. The last hiatus corresponds to the replacement of Homo neanderthalensis by H. sapiens. Records of dated cave openings, slope breccias and stalactite falls suggest that marked geomorphologic changes, seismic activity and ecological perturbations occurred during the period when Homo replacement took place.

Rapid coastal diapiric uplift in Cádiz Bay (SW Spain). Implications on OIS 3 sea level reconstruction

by Alonso Villalobos, F. Javier Gracia, and Joaquín Vidal

The Bay of Cádiz, of about 30 km length and 15 km width, is located at the south-atlantic margin ... more The Bay of Cádiz, of about 30 km length and 15 km width, is located at the south-atlantic margin of the Iberian Peninsula, southwards of the Guadalquivir river mouth. Geologically it is located within the Subbetic Zone of the Betic Ranges. The origin of the Bay is related to vertical tectonic movements during a distensive phase in the upper Miocene -Pliocene . This depression was occupied by a deltaic sedimentary system developed during the middle and upper Pliocene until the lower Pleistocene, giving rise to a stratigraphic unit with mixed fluvial and littoral characteristics.

Aplicación de la geoarqueología al estudio de cambios costeros postflandrienses en la Bahía de Cádiz

by Alonso Villalobos, Joaquín Vidal, and F. Javier Gracia

Earliest Known Use of Marine Resources by Neanderthals

by Nuno Bicho, Darren A Fa, Miguel Cortés Sánchez, María D. Simón-Vallejo, José Antonio López Sáez, and Joaquín Vidal

Numerous studies along the northern Mediterranean borderland have documented the use of shellfish... more Numerous studies along the northern Mediterranean borderland have documented the use of shellfish by Neanderthals but none of these finds are prior to Marine Isotopic Stage 3 (MIS 3). In this paper we present evidence that gathering and consumption of mollusks can now be traced back to the lowest level of the archaeological sequence at Bajondillo Cave (Málaga, Spain), dated during the MIS 6. The paper describes the taxonomical and taphonomical features of the mollusc assemblages from this level Bj19 and briefly touches upon those retrieved in levels Bj18 (MIS 5) and Bj17 (MIS 4), evidencing a continuity of the shellfishing activity that reaches to MIS 3. This evidence is substantiated on 29 datings through radiocarbon, thermoluminescence and U series methods. Obtained dates and paleoenvironmental records from the cave include isotopic, pollen, lithostratigraphic and sedimentological analyses and they are fully coherent with palaeoclimate conditions expected for the different stages. We conclude that described use of shellfish resources by Neanderthals (H. neanderthalensis) in Southern Spain started ~150 ka and were almost contemporaneous to Pinnacle Point (South Africa), when shellfishing is first documented in archaic modern humans

Late survival of Neanderthals at the southernmost extreme of Europe

by Christopher Gleed-owen, Francisco J. Giles Guzmán, Francisco J. Jimenez Espejo, Jose Maria Gutierrez Lopez, José Antonio López Sáez, Joaquín Vidal, and Pilar López

Nature, 2006

The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern human... more The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern humans is now clear for southeast Asia. In Europe the extinction of the Neanderthals, firmly associated with Mousterian technology, has received much attention, and evidence of their survival after 35 kyr bp has recently been put in doubt. Here we present data, based on a high-resolution record of human occupation from Gorham's Cave, Gibraltar, that establish the survival of a population of Neanderthals to 28 kyr bp. These Neanderthals survived in the southernmost point of Europe, within a particular physiographic context, and are the last currently recorded anywhere. Our results show that the Neanderthals survived in isolated refuges well after the arrival of modern humans in Europe.

Las arenas eólicas del Pleistoceno Superior en Gibraltar

by Darren A Fa, Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro, Joaquín Vidal, and F. Ruiz

Geogaceta, Jan 1, 2010

CITATIONS 2 READS 65 8 authors, including:

L’abri de Benzú (Ceuta). Un site avec une technologiede Mode 3-Paléolithique moyen dans le Nord de l’Afrique

by Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal, José Ramos Muñoz, Eduardo Vijande-Vila, Antonio Barrena-Tocino, Salvador Domínguez-Bella, Sergio Almisas Cruz, Joaquín Vidal, Paloma Uzquiano Ollero, Ignacio Clemente Conte, Jesús Toledo, and Eduardo Vijande

Espeleotemas y morfogénesis exokárstica. El ejemplo de la Sierra del Endrinal (Grazalema, Cádiz)

by Joaquín Vidal and Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro

Late survival of Neanderthals at the southernmost extreme of Europe

by Darren A Fa, Joaquín Vidal, Geraldine Finlayson, Antonio Villalpando, Christopher Gleed-owen, and José Antonio López Sáez

Nature, Jan 1, 2006

The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern huma... more The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long
contemporaneity with modern humans is now clear for southeast
Asia. In Europe the extinction of the Neanderthals, firmly associated with Mousterian technology, has received much attention, and evidence of their survival after 35 kyr BP has recently been put in doubt. Here we present data, based on a high-resolution record of human occupation from Gorham’s Cave, Gibraltar, that establish the survival of a population of Neanderthals to 28 kyr BP. These Neanderthals survived in the southernmost point of Europe, within a particular physiographic context, and are the last currently recorded anywhere. Our results show that the Neanderthals survived in isolated refuges well after the arrival of modern humans in Europe.

La Grotte du Boquete de Zafarraya (Malaga, Andalousie)

by Jean-louis Vernet, Antonio Rodríguez-Ramírez, Salvador Bailon, and Joaquín Vidal

Ecological transitions-but for whom? A perspective from the Pleistocene

by Darren A Fa, Antonio Monclova, Francisco Giles, and Joaquín Vidal

Palaeogeography, …, Jan 1, 2011

This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition betwee... more This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition between the Early and Middle Pleistocene between 1.2 and 0.5 million years ago. Our knowledge about biotic changes during this transition has been so far largely based on studies of large mammals. Here we address the issue whether all faunal groups were equally affected. Three datasets have been used: (a) European large mammals present in the Middle and Late Pleistocene, (b) European fossil bird species recorded from the Early, Middle and Late Pleistocene of Europe, and (c) present-day birds currently classified in subfamilies that contain at least one Palaearctic representative species. Each species was allocated to all those geographical areas, climates, habitats in which it is present today; migratory status was also recorded. These datasets serve to undertake a biochronological analysis of mammal and bird groups, thus establishing patterns and processes of extinction and survival at the genus and species levels. The end of the Middle Pleistocene appears to have been a significant boundary in respect of herbivorous mammals, which suffered considerable depletion. In contrast, most genera and species of European birds in the Middle Pleistocene survived into the Late Pleistocene, even to the present day. Furthermore, at least 58% of the Middle-Pleistocene bird species were already present in the Early Pleistocene record. The most successful survivors in the Palaearctic Pleistocene were species from genera that had been the most climatically-tolerant during the late Cenozoic, usually from speciose and widely-distributed genera. We conclude that major transitions in Earth history have leant largely on biochronology and the perceived turnovers of faunas. Boundaries have usually depended heavily on changes to specific taxa of organisms. In this paper we show that what may appear as epic boundaries are largely scaleand taxon-dependent. Their usefulness must therefore be open to question. Here we advocate an individualistic and taxon specific approach in understanding the major ecological changes that have marked the history organisms.

Ecological transitions-but for whom? A perspective from the Pleistocene

by Antonio Monclova, Darren A Fa, Joaquín Vidal, and Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal

Palaeogeography, …, Jan 1, 2011

This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition betwee... more This paper deals with the so-called Middle Pleistocene revolution, that is, the transition between the Early and Middle Pleistocene between 1.2 and 0.5 million years ago. Our knowledge about biotic changes during this transition has been so far largely based on studies of large mammals. Here we address the issue whether all faunal groups were equally affected. Three datasets have been used: (a) European large mammals present in the Middle and Late Pleistocene, (b) European fossil bird species recorded from the Early, Middle and Late Pleistocene of Europe, and (c) present-day birds currently classified in subfamilies that contain at least one Palaearctic representative species. Each species was allocated to all those geographical areas, climates, habitats in which it is present today; migratory status was also recorded. These datasets serve to undertake a biochronological analysis of mammal and bird groups, thus establishing patterns and processes of extinction and survival at the genus and species levels. The end of the Middle Pleistocene appears to have been a significant boundary in respect of herbivorous mammals, which suffered considerable depletion. In contrast, most genera and species of European birds in the Middle Pleistocene survived into the Late Pleistocene, even to the present day. Furthermore, at least 58% of the Middle-Pleistocene bird species were already present in the Early Pleistocene record. The most successful survivors in the Palaearctic Pleistocene were species from genera that had been the most climatically-tolerant during the late Cenozoic, usually from speciose and widely-distributed genera. We conclude that major transitions in Earth history have leant largely on biochronology and the perceived turnovers of faunas. Boundaries have usually depended heavily on changes to specific taxa of organisms. In this paper we show that what may appear as epic boundaries are largely scale- and taxon-dependent. Their usefulness must therefore be open to question. Here we advocate an individualistic and taxon specific approach in understanding the major ecological changes that have marked the history organisms.

Geomorphological evidence of drowned marine shelves: A review of the offshore data for La Gomera Island (Canary Islands)

by Tatiana Izquierdo and Joaquín Vidal

Evidence of MIS 5 sea-level highstands in Gebel Mousa coast (Strait of Gibraltar, North of Africa)

by Tatiana Izquierdo, Joaquín Vidal, F. Ruiz, Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro, mohamed najib zaghloul, and Miguel Ángel Arco Blanco

Geomorphology, Jan 1, 2013

The Last Interglacial is considered the most suitable episode from which to infer patterns of rap... more The Last Interglacial is considered the most suitable episode from which to infer patterns of rapid sea-level change since its climatic conditions were similar to those of the present interglacial. However, specifying the true position of its sea level with high accuracy is very troublesome in the absence of sedimentological, erosional or even palaeontological markers. This study investigates the morphosedimentary evidence (beach deposits, cliff, notch and shore platform) of two highstands registered and dated during MIS 5 stage by U-series dating in the North of Morocco (Strait of Gibraltar). Bioerosive notches and mixed siliciclastic and carbonate deposits, high energy beaches with algal bioherms, were formed in coastal environments during MIS 5a. A sea-level height of + 10 m asl can be inferred for this substage. The record of MIS 5e substage is less defined in the geomorphological record, consisting of backshore/foreshore deposits located at + 13 to + 15 m asl. A tectonic uplift rate of ~ 0.1 mm/yr has been estimated for the last 130 kyr. These data are consistent with models of coastal uplifting calculated for the Strait of Gibraltar.► Morphosedimentary evidence of MIS 5 highstands are recorded in the North of Morocco. ► Bioerosive features and high-energy beach facies were formed during MIS 5e and MIS 5a. ► A low tectonic uplift rate of 0.1 mm/yr has been estimated for the last 130 kyr. ► A phase of hydro-isostatic subsidence at the end of highstands cannot be rejected. ► Our data are consistent with models of coastal uplifting elaborated for the Strait of Gibraltar.

RELLENO MORFOSEDIMENTARIO Y POBLAMIENTO HUMANO DEL ESTUARIO DE LOS RÍOS TINTO Y ODIEL (HUELVA) DURANTE LA SEGUNDA MITAD DEL HOLOCENO

by Joaquín Vidal, Tatiana Izquierdo, Antonio Toscano, and Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro

The first human settlements (6000−4000 BP) in the early estuary of the Tinto and Odiel rivers wer... more The first human settlements (6000−4000 BP) in the early estuary of the Tinto and Odiel rivers were located in the ancient coastal banks or in the nearby hills. From 4000 years BP onwards, the estuarine sediments started to emerge as sand barriers and chenier plains, prograding towards the mouth. As the littoral strands stabilized morphologically, they are colonized by human settlements in successive periods, the oldest inland (Almendral) and more recent outward (Cascajera). These emerged morphologies were surrounded by muddy tidal flats in the estuary and only the high-energy marine events such as a tsunami or extraordinary storms were able to modify both the landscape and human settlements installed on them. This work also describes the morphodynamic model that built the chenier plain of La Cascajera.

Terrazas marinas pleistocenas en la costa oriental de la Península de Bahoruco (SO de República Dominicana)

by Tatiana Izquierdo, Joaquín Vidal, Fernando Perez, Fernando Moreno, and Antonio Toscano

Geogaceta, May 2012

We describe a Quaternary succession consisting of coastal and teuvestrial facies which record sea... more We describe a Quaternary succession consisting of coastal and teuvestrial facies which record sea level fluctuations in the Eastern coast of Bahoruco peninsula (SW of Dominican Republic). The bottom of this sequence is formed by coral limestone deposit interpreted as fringing reef with a most likely age corresponding to the onset and progress of Last Interglacial (132-120 kyrago). This deposit is covered and eroded by rampant dunes and alluvial fans that recorded a rapid sea-level drop. A very similar sequence of facies have been described by several authors in the Bahamas and other Caribbean areas, showing rapid and abrupt sea-level fluctuations that occurred within the beginning of Marine Isotope Stage 5.

Inundabilidad y riesgo de tsunami en la costa del Golfo de Cádiz

by Tatiana Izquierdo, Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro, and Joaquín Vidal

The sedimentary record of recent tsunamis in the Rock of Gibraltar

by Tatiana Izquierdo, Joaquín Vidal, Darren A Fa, Clive Finlayson, and Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro

Sedimentological and geomorphological imprints of Holocene tsunamis in southwestern Spain: An approach to establish the recurrence period

by Tatiana Izquierdo, Antonio Toscano, Joaquín Vidal, and Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro

The Benzu rockshelter (Ceuta). Stratigraphic sequence and record of Hunter Gatherer societies of marine resources with Mode 3 technology in North Africa

by Ignacio Clemente Conte, Sergio Almisas Cruz, Antonio Barrena-Tocino, Salvador Domínguez-Bella, Eduardo Vijande-Vila, Joaquín Vidal, Manuel Geologia, Paloma Uzquiano Ollero, Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal, and José Ramos Muñoz

Evolución Paleoambiental del sector meridional del Parque Nacional de Doñana desde el Plioceno Inferior a la actualidad.

by Antonio Toscano, Luis Miguel Cáceres Puro, and Joaquín Vidal

Estudios Geológicos, Apr 2013

Ruiz, F.; Abad, M.; Pozo, M.; Carretero, M.I.; Rodríguez-Vidal, J.; Cáceres, L.M.; Font, E.; Gonz... more Ruiz, F.; Abad, M.; Pozo, M.; Carretero, M.I.; Rodríguez-Vidal, J.; Cáceres, L.M.; Font, E.; González-Regalado, M.L.; Toscano, A.; García, E.X. (2013). Evolución Paleoambiental del sector meridional del Parque Nacional de Doñana desde el Plioceno Inferior a la actualidad. Estudios Geológicos [en línea], manuscrito aceptado, doi: 10.3989/egeol.41072.234

ABSTRACT
The analysis of the geological units and the ostracod assemblages of a long core collected in the southern Doñana National Park (SW Spain) permits to deduce an evolution from shallow marine palaeoenvironments (Lower Pliocene) to a brackish lagoon (Upper Pleistocene-Holocene) and the deposit of aeolian sediments (<1900 yr BP), with an intermediate alluvial stage during the Pleistocene. In the Late Holocene, a tsunamigenic event was detected, with the erosion of aeolian sediments and a subsequent deposit on subtidal environments.

RESUMEN
El estudio de los materiales geológicos y las asociaciones de ostrácodos presentes en un testigo largo obtenido en el sur del Parque Nacional de Doñana (SO de España) permite inferir una evolución paleoambiental desde medios marinos someros (Plioceno Inferior) hasta un lagoon salobre (Pleistoceno Superior-Holoceno) y la implantación de sistemas eólicos (<1.900 años BP), con un estadio intermedio aluvial durante la mayor parte del Pleistoceno. En el Holoceno Superior, se detecta un evento tsunamigénico caracterizado por la erosión de sedimentos eólicos y su depósito sobre medios submareales.