The most important stratified screes of the Iberian Range are found in Sierra de Albarracín. These slope deposits have been traditionally considered, without absolute datings, as having been formed during various Pleistocene cold phases. The aim of this paper is to establish the sedimentological, morphological, chronological, and paleoenvironmental characteristics of these deposits through the study of four profiles recorded in the Calomarde canyon (El Rollo, El Molino, and Royuela) and Toril. The most representative profile is that of El Rollo as it is formed by basal tufa and stratified scree layers separated by paleosoils. Radiocarbon datings obtained from paleosoil samples show that the sequence ranges between the early and middle Holocene. The profiles from El Molino and Royuela, as well as the upper levels of Toril, complete the sequence showing deposits from upper Holocene (Bronze Age and 'Little Ice Age'). These data show the oscillations during the Holocene between colder phases, represented by the stratified screes, and warmer-wetter phases with soil development and local tufa deposits. This geomorphological and pedological response to the Holocene climatic variability shows its clearest records in the canyons. However, there are almost no Pleistocene accumulations -with the exception of that of Toril (minimum age of <43.5 ka BP). The possibility of relating this succession of Holocene environmental changes to known regional and global climatic stages converts these accumulations into the most important Holocene paleoenvironmental record from the Iberian Ranges and the most complete sequence of Holocene stratified screes from the Mediterranean area.
An interdisciplinary non‐invasive research strategy combining the analysis of archival documents, detailed geomorphological mapping, Quaternary stratigraphic studies, analysis of ceramics, and radiocarbon dating was designed to reconstruct the evolution of the Mezimegeer–Juslibol Castle, northeastern Spain. This fortress had great strategic importance in the siege and conquest of the nearby Islamic city of Saraqusta by the Christians in A.D. 1118. The castle and moat complex was built in the mid‐10th century. In the mid‐12th century, its rapid degradation began, as it is shown by this geoarchaeological study of the sediments in the moats. Its present state of decay is due to later erosion that is promoted by the unstable bedrock of Miocene gypsum, highly deformed gravels that form a Pleistocene fluvial terrace, and the environmental aridity.
Resumen: Se presentan los resultados del estudio antracológico de los macrorrestos vegetales contenidos en la muralla del castillo medieval de Juslibol (Zaragoza) construido en época islámica (s. x). Las muestras analizadas han sido recogidas en los paramentos caídos. La aproximación al registro arqueobotánico se produce desde una doble perspectiva. Por un lado, desde un punto de vista paleoecológico, los datos revelan las características de la vegetación del área circundante a esta fortificación compuesta por especies propias de un clima mediterráneo continental, estepario y semiárido. Por otro lado, documentamos un elevado porcentaje de especies relacionadas con la arboricultura. Es llamativo el alto contenido en nogal (Juglans regia) que, junto con la relativa distancia de sus hábitats naturales potenciales, indicaría una cierta abundancia de este árbol en zonas próximas como cultivo de regadío. Esto nos aporta información paleoeconómica a través de las estrategias de aprovechamiento del entorno forestal, como la amortización de los restos de poda en la construcción de la muralla del castillo de Juslibol (Zaragoza) que, en el contexto de la defensa de Saraqusta frente al avance de las tropas cristianas procedentes del norte, parece atender a criterios económicos.Palabras clave: Arqueobotánica; gestión forestal; Arqueología ambiental; Edad Media; Valle del Ebro.Abstract: The results of the wood charcoal analysis of plant macroremains contained in the walls of the Juslibol (Zaragoza) medieval castle built in Islamic period (tenth century) are presented. Analyzed samples have been recovered in fallen walls. The approach to archaeobotanical record occurs from two perspectives. On the one hand, from a palaeoecological perspective, the data show the characteristics of vegetation around
Flat-bottomed valleys formed by Holocene fills are the most characteristic landforms in the center of the Ebro basin. This paper analyzes, within a regional framework, a small fluvial basin located in the north of the Alcubierre Range. Three Holocene morphosedimentary units (H1-H3) and a sub-functional level (H4) are identified. These units are representative of the regional geomorphological evolutionary process in the Ebro basin. New chronological insights on climate and landscape management are provided by a study of the Bastarás weir, a construction made for water flow management during the Little Ice Age (LIA). The integration of Val de Zaragoza radiocarbon datings into the regional framework enables the authors to identify the main formation stages, as well as the influence of climatic and human factors on its evolution. The intensification of human pressure in the territory is reflected in a progressive increase in sediment accumulation rates in the valleys, peaking during Roman times and the Little Ice Age.
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