Paleogeographic reconstruction of the Tar – San Martín lacustrine system during late Pleistocene to early Holocene: Landscape availability and hunter-gatherer circulation (Santa Cruz, Argentina)

Abstract

This paper presents the paleogeographic reconstructions of flooded areas of the Tar - San Martín lacustrine system during the late Pleistocene - Holocene. The dimensions of lacustrine and glaciolacustrine levels of this basin are higher than the current levels of the lakes. The organic matter of lake levels recorded on stratigraphic profiles was described, sampled and dated using AMS, while other paleobathymetric indicators were also identified (height of the fan-delta apex and paleo-coast levels). Deriving out of the reconstruction of flooded areas it was established that the lake system was formed before 28 ka ago and would have reached its maximum expansion around 12 ka ago. The first hunter-gatherer occupation of the basin (11 ka)corresponds to the period of initial contraction of the lake system and the composition of the current configuration of the coastlines. This scenario would have allowed the exploration of western areas and the gradual incorporation of the forest to the action range of hunter-gatherer populations. Similarly, the levels of lakes Tar and San Martín would not have hindered the movement of human populations through the steppe throughout the Holocene.