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Absolute age of the base of the hominid-bearing beds in Eastern Java

Nature volume 275, pages 306–308 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

THIS note presents preliminary data on the absolute age of the base of the hominid-bearing beds in Eastern Java. We approached the problem in two steps. First by comparing the stratigraphic sequence of Eastern Java with that of Olduvai Gorge using published data on radiometric dates, magnetic polarity stratigraphy, and the hominid fossil record (Fig. 1). And second, by analysing the planktonic diatom assemblages from the marine intercalations in the lowermost hominid-bearing beds and from the underlying marine sediments from Eastern Java (Fig. 2). The stratigraphy of Olduvai Gorge (Fig. 1) is compiled from various sources1–6. The base of the Gorge is represented by metamorphic rocks6, overlain by ignimbrites whose uppermost part has been K–Ar dated at 2 Myr (refs 5, 6). The sediment sequence from Bed I to the top of the Gorge is represented by volcanogenic, lacustrine and fluvial deposits. The earliest hominid fossils and stone tools occur in the upper part of Bed I, at about 1.8 Myr (refs 1, 4, 5).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York, 10964

    D. NINKOVICH & L. H. BURCKLE

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  1. D. NINKOVICH
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  2. L. H. BURCKLE
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NINKOVICH, D., BURCKLE, L. Absolute age of the base of the hominid-bearing beds in Eastern Java. Nature 275, 306–308 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/275306a0

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