Luminescence chronology of the Grub-Kranawetberg site, Austria

Abstract

Eight samples from a loess profile at the open air site of Grub-Kranawetberg (Lower Austria) were dated by Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) of the polymineral fine-grain (4–11 µm) fraction and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) of quartz grains in the size range of 38–63 µm. Calibrated radiocarbon ages of ca. 30 ka BP on charcoal from the main archaeological layer AH4 agree with the IRSL and OSL age estimates within error limits. Anomalous fading of the feldspar-dominated IRSL from fine grain fraction could not be detected in the laboratory and the MAAD-IRSL ages were therefore not corrected. Most IRSL and OSL ages agreed within error limits, however, some IRSL ages were significantly underestimated as compared to the OSL ages, and in general the mean of the OSL ages was higher compared to the mean of individual IRSL ages. The OSL ages place the deposition of the exposed loess including an interstadial pedocomplex (“Stillfried B”) to between ca. 47 ka and ca. 30 ka. Potential pedostratigraphic correlations with some European loess areas as well as palaeoecological implications on Upper Palaeolithic human occupation patterns are discussed. Lumineszenz -Chronologie der Fundstelle Grub-Granawetberg, Osterreich