MERGING THE MATRIX: STRATIGRAPHY, RADIOCARBON DATES, AND FIRE REGIMENS IN THE AMBATO VALLEY (CATAMARCA, ARGENTINA)

M. B. MARCONETTO, M. R. GASTALDI, H. B. LINDSKOUG, A. G. LAGUENS

RADIOCARBON

UNIV ARIZONA DEPT GEOSCIENCES

Lugar: Arizona; Año: 2014 vol. 56 p. 189 - 207

0033-8222

In this work we present an analysis of the radiocarbon dates obtained from archaeological sites in the Ambato Valley in northwestern Argentina, especially the dates from Piedras Blancas. This site was excavated in stratigraphic units based upon the Harris method, which has allowed us to review the dating results based upon the analysis of the stratigraphic relationships observed within the site. We also discuss the use of different kinds of material for dating (bone vs. carbonized wood), and possible relationships between the fire ecology recorded for the area and some inconsistencies shown in the dates with respect to the site stratigraphy.