An archaeostratigraphic consideration of the Gran Dolina TD10.2 cultural sequence from a quantitative approach

A groundbreaking study on the Gran Dolina TD10.2 site at Atapuerca reveals that advanced quantitative techniques, including supervised machine learning and lithic refits, can significantly enhance the temporal resolution of archaeological deposits. This approach has identified three distinct levels within the sub-unit, providing unprecedented clarity in delineating level boundaries in dense bison bone beds. The research suggests a minimum of two seasonal communal hunting events by hominins, reinforcing previous interpretations while offering new insights into their subsistence and behavioral strategies. This methodology not only automates and accelerates archaeostratigraphic analysis but also supports more robust qualitative data verification.

Arteaga-Brieba, A., Courtenay, L. A., Cobo-Sánchez, L., Rodríguez-Hidalgo, A., Saladié, P., Ollé, A., & Mosquera, M. (2023). An archaeostratigraphic consideration of the Gran Dolina TD10.2 cultural sequence from a quantitative approach. Quaternary Science Reviews, 309, 108033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2023.108033