Reconstitution de l'entrée préhistorique de la grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc (Ardèche, France) : les apports de l'analyse géomorphologique et de la modélisation 3D

A groundbreaking reconstruction of the prehistoric entrance to Chauvet Cave reveals critical insights into its sealing process. Using geomorphological analysis and 3D modeling with lasergrammetry data, researchers determined that the cave's exceptional preservation stems from a limestone ledge collapse that blocked access around 23,000 to 11,500 years ago. The study identified the former extent of the cave, detailed the size and features of its prehistoric porch, and clarified how ceiling pendants influenced rockfall distribution within the cave. While dating remains imprecise due to limited speleothem data, this method offers a new approach to understanding cave sealing mechanisms and could refine age estimates with further research.

Delannoy, J.-J., Sadier, B., Jaillet, S., Ployon, E., & Geneste, J.-M. (2010). Reconstitution de l’entrée préhistorique de la grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc (Ardèche, France) : les apports de l’analyse géomorphologique et de la modélisation 3D. Karstologia : Revue de Karstologie et de Spéléologie Physique, 56(1), 17–34. https://doi.org/10.3406/karst.2010.2679