Henri-Georges Naton
Géoarchéon, Géoarchéologie, Faculty Member
ABSTRACT Tufa deposits are proven to record high quality palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic information. They also appear to be influenced by human activities as indicated by the ‘late Holocene tufa decline’ observed in Europe from... more
ABSTRACT Tufa deposits are proven to record high quality palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic information. They also appear to be influenced by human activities as indicated by the ‘late Holocene tufa decline’ observed in Europe from the Atlantic optimum, when tufa should be well developed regarding climatic conditions. The studied tufa comes from the Mamer Valley in Luxembourg: Direndall. As it covers a broad part of the Holocene, this deposit offered a great opportunity to discuss modalities and timing of the tufa decline and the human impact on fluvial formations since the early Holocene. Recent fieldwork at Direndall allowed the collection of new stratigraphic data and samples for a geochemical study. We investigate calcite stable isotopes as records of past temperature and humidity conditions. Comparisons with the environmental reconstructions from a previous malacological study show strong consistency with the δ13C record and suggest humidity might have been the main factor controlling environment evolution at Direndall. Despite the climatic variations observed, none explains the environmental change towards open conditions while optimum forest develops as recorded by molluscs at the top of the sequence. This episode is likely to be linked to local anthropogenic forest clearance during the Roman occupation. However, no clear impact of human activity has been observed in the tufa stratigraphy or precipitation rate. The exceptionally long Direndall tufa sequence thus provided outstanding palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic data and might become, together with the underlying fluvial and colluvial deposits, a reference site for the Holocene and Tardiglacial in Luxembourg and surrounding areas.
Research Interests:
A new multidisciplinary study is in progress at Direndall in the Mamer Valley in Luxembourg, combining stratigraphy, geochemistry, malacology and palynology. As it covers a wide part of the Holocene (C14 dating between c. 10 000 to 900 ka... more
A new multidisciplinary study is in progress at Direndall in the Mamer Valley in Luxembourg, combining stratigraphy, geochemistry, malacology and palynology. As it covers a wide part of the Holocene (C14 dating between c. 10 000 to 900 ka BP), the 8m-high tufa deposit provides a great opportunity to discuss modalities and timing of the so-called ‘late Holocene tufa decline’ (Goudies et al., 1993) and the combined controls of climate and human activity on fluvial formations since the Early Holocene. Recent fieldworks at Direndall allowed collection of new stratigraphical data and samples for a geochemical study. We investigate calcite stable isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) and Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios from Direndall tufa as records of past temperature and humidity conditions. Comparisons with the environmental reconstructions from a previous malacological study (Meyrick, 2000) show strong consistency with the δ13C record suggesting that humidity might have been the main climatic factor contro...
Research Interests:
In the Paris Basin, the Gravettian techno-complex is documented by a limited number of sites, and radiocarbon dates are available for only three locations: Arcy-sur-Cure (Grande Grotte and Grotte du Renne, Yonne), La Pente-des-Brosses... more
In the Paris Basin, the Gravettian techno-complex is documented by a limited number of sites, and
radiocarbon dates are available for only three locations: Arcy-sur-Cure (Grande Grotte and Grotte du
Renne, Yonne), La Pente-des-Brosses (Montigny-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne) and Chamvres (Yonne). This
period of human prehistory is poorly known in the region. The recently discovered open-air site of Les
Bossats at Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne) includes an early Gravettian occupation with well-preserved
faunal remains; this allows for radiocarbon dating and provides information on the ecological context
that was previously inaccessible. Located on the southern limit of the maximum extension of loess
deposits, Ormesson also provides a well-developed Pleistocene sedimentary sequence. The peculiar
geomorphological context of the Gravettian occupation opens new avenues of investigation regarding
taphonomy and the possible anthropogenic intra-site spatial organisation.
Here we present the primary results of excavations that began in 2009. The strategic location of the
site, the richness of the lithic industry, the presence of two well-preserved hearths and associated
maintenance features (near which were found both perforated and non-perforated shells), as well as the
few elements of bone technology, all suggest that the site was occupied for a relatively long period of
time.
Flint nodules are primarily obtained from local sources and were used to produce blades and bladelets.
The tool kit is, however, dominated by blades likely used in butchering activities, as well as armature and
burin production. The occupants of Ormesson seem to have killed and butchered bison near site and
imported the most nutritious parts. Portions of reindeer and horse were also imported. The Gravettian
occupation at Ormesson thus appears to have been a medium to short-term multi purpose campsite,
likely occupied for the time it took to process imported bison carcasses.
radiocarbon dates are available for only three locations: Arcy-sur-Cure (Grande Grotte and Grotte du
Renne, Yonne), La Pente-des-Brosses (Montigny-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne) and Chamvres (Yonne). This
period of human prehistory is poorly known in the region. The recently discovered open-air site of Les
Bossats at Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne) includes an early Gravettian occupation with well-preserved
faunal remains; this allows for radiocarbon dating and provides information on the ecological context
that was previously inaccessible. Located on the southern limit of the maximum extension of loess
deposits, Ormesson also provides a well-developed Pleistocene sedimentary sequence. The peculiar
geomorphological context of the Gravettian occupation opens new avenues of investigation regarding
taphonomy and the possible anthropogenic intra-site spatial organisation.
Here we present the primary results of excavations that began in 2009. The strategic location of the
site, the richness of the lithic industry, the presence of two well-preserved hearths and associated
maintenance features (near which were found both perforated and non-perforated shells), as well as the
few elements of bone technology, all suggest that the site was occupied for a relatively long period of
time.
Flint nodules are primarily obtained from local sources and were used to produce blades and bladelets.
The tool kit is, however, dominated by blades likely used in butchering activities, as well as armature and
burin production. The occupants of Ormesson seem to have killed and butchered bison near site and
imported the most nutritious parts. Portions of reindeer and horse were also imported. The Gravettian
occupation at Ormesson thus appears to have been a medium to short-term multi purpose campsite,
likely occupied for the time it took to process imported bison carcasses.
Research Interests:
The Alzette River rises within France, approximately 4 km south of the French-Luxembourg border, and has a total length of 73 kilometres before joining the Sauer which is a left-bank tributary of the Moselle River. During the construction... more
The Alzette River rises within France, approximately 4 km south of the French-Luxembourg border, and has a total length of 73 kilometres before joining the Sauer which is a left-bank tributary of the Moselle River. During the construction of the" Nordstrooss" ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
... Pierre BINTZ*, Jean-Jacques DELANNOY**, Henri-Georges NATON***, Marc CARTONNET**** & Thierry TILLET*****. ... 2. les dépôts riches en éléments grossiers issus de la géliva-tion des calcaires des parois avoisinantes se mettent... more
... Pierre BINTZ*, Jean-Jacques DELANNOY**, Henri-Georges NATON***, Marc CARTONNET**** & Thierry TILLET*****. ... 2. les dépôts riches en éléments grossiers issus de la géliva-tion des calcaires des parois avoisinantes se mettent en place à partir du Tardiglaciaire. ...
Research Interests:
In 2002 rescue excavations on the track of the future high speed train line LGV-Est in the Meuse department, eastern France, led to the discovery of a medieval rural settlement, giving evidence of a long-lasting occupation during early... more
In 2002 rescue excavations on the track of the future high speed train line LGV-Est in the Meuse department, eastern France, led to the discovery of a medieval rural settlement, giving evidence of a long-lasting occupation during early and high medieval times (6th – 12th c. AD). This rural occupation, covering a total surface of about 1 hectare, was situated at the lower part of a slope leading to a small valley. In this valley 4,5 hectares were archaeologically surveyed by prospection trenches, giving evidence of human occupations dating from the Neolithic to Gallo-Roman times. The medieval occupation is evidenced by about 20 buildings, showing a wide range of different constructions, and by about hundred settlement pits, some trenched enclosures and a trackway. The study of the material culture and the analysis of archaeozoological and of carbonized archaeobotanical remains are revealing the domestic activities of the inhabitants and the agro-pastoral economy of the settlement.