First evidence of Neanderthal presence in Northwest Europe during the Late Saalian 'Zeifen Interstadial'(MIS 6.01) found at the VLL and VLB Sites at … (original) (raw)

The Middle Pleistocene to Late Pleistocene transition (MIS 6/5e transition), which has been observed within the loamy sediments of the VLL and VLB sites at Veldwezelt-Hezerwater, was a period of remarkable change in both climate and environment. Indeed, the incipient VLL-VLB soil horizons at Veldwezelt-Hezerwater seem to represent Late Saalian phases of pedogenesis under boreal conditions just prior to the MIS 6/5e transition. The pedostratigraphical position provides a firm basis to conclude that the VLL and VLB soil horizons at Veldwezelt-Hezerwater represent the terrestrial equivalent of the Late Saalian 'Zeifen Interstadial' (MIS 6.01), whereas the capping GSL unit seems to represent the terrestrial equivalent of the so-called 'Kattegat Stadial'. Indeed, assuming that Northwest Europe was too hostile for humans during the extremes of MIS 6 and given the pattern highlighted by Gamble (1986) that Northwest Europe seems to be a bit of a wasteland during MIS 5e, then...