Paleoclimatic and archeological implications of Pleistocene and Holocene environments in Azraq, Jordan

摘要: Wetlands are a key archive for paleoclimatic and archeological work, particularly in arid regions, as they provide focus human occupation preserve environmental information. The sedimentary record from 'Ayn Qasiyya, spring site on the edge of Azraq Qa, provides well-dated sequence through last glacial–interglacial transition (LGIT) allowing changes present-day Jordanian desert to be investigated robustly this time period first time. Results show that wettest at preceded glacial maximum, which itself was characterised by marsh formation significant Early Epipaleolithic occupation. A hiatus between 16 10.5 ka suggests drought region although seasonal rains surface waters still allowed region. Archeological evidence conditions had improved Late Epipaleolithic, about North Atlantic Younger Dryas. wet dry similarities patterns eastern Mediterranean Arabia suggesting Jordan interior influenced both these regions LGIT climatic transition.