Paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental variations in the area of the Pueyrredón, Posadas and Salitroso lakes, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, during the Holocene and its relationship with occupational dynamics

Abstract

This work constitutes an integration of geological, archaeological and palynological data from Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, for assessing the influence of paleogeographic and paleoclimatic changes in relation to the dynamics of human occupation during the Holocene. In order to carry out its objectives, we surveyed different archaeological sites, we collected pollen samples from two archaeological sites, and described, sampled and dated stratigraphic profiles of lake levels. A digital elevation model was also developed to reconstruct old flooded areas. Given the obtained results, we observe the influence that paleogeographic changes could have had on human occupational dynamics. These changes may have opened up new areas for both settlement and mobility. Pollen records suggest a vegetation change from grass steppe to shrub steppe during the Middle Holocene, most likely related to climate changes identified at a regional scale.