Geoarchaeological investigations at Studenoe, an Upper Paleolithic site in the Transbaikal Region, Russia

Abstract In 1998, geoarchaeological research was carried out at the Upper Paleolithic site of Studenoe in the Transbaikal Region of Russia. The site is divided into three loci situated on two terraces overlooking the Chikoi River. Alluvial sediments beneath the oldest terrace (T 2 ) consist of two depositional units. Radiocarbon ages indicate that aggradation of the T 2 fill began before 18,000 yr B.P. Alluvial sediments beneath the lower terrace (T 1 ) range in age from 13,000 to 10,000 yr B.P. and are divided into three depositional units. Both terraces are overlain by Holocene colluvium. Archaeological materials at Studenoe 1/1, 1/2, and 2 include dwellings, hearths, and thousands of bone and stone artifacts assigned to the late Upper Paleolithic through the Bronze Age. Evidence of microblade technology is present in all components of the site. Material from recent excavations of Paleolithic levels in the T 2 fill at Studenoe includes mobiliary art, bone needles, and a large dwelling with four hearth features. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.