Vulcanism and Prehistory in the Massif central of France : an updated review.
Language
en
Document de travail - Pré-publication
This item was published in
2003
English Abstract
Among the Massif Central, two areas are well known for their volcanic activity and their rich prehistoric heritage: The Grande Limagne, at foothill of The Chaîne des Puys, where vulcanism interfered with human settlements, ...Read more >
Among the Massif Central, two areas are well known for their volcanic activity and their rich prehistoric heritage: The Grande Limagne, at foothill of The Chaîne des Puys, where vulcanism interfered with human settlements, and the Velay with its huge basaltic fissural eruptions and its numerous phreatomagmatic features which determine specific landscapes. In the Grande Limagne, Late Glacial and Holocene volcanic activity of the Chaîne des Puys had a severe impact on the plain evolution. Archaeological investigations demonstrate that a few Magdalenian and Mesolithic sites were directly affected by tephra falls. In Velay, fissuration and columnar jointing of basaltic lava flows played an active morphologic role during alteration and erosion. Lower and Middle Pleistocene vulcanism has determined lanscape characteristics which strictly control Middle and Upper palaeolithic settlements.Read less <
English Keywords
Massif central
Limagne Plain
Magdalenian
Mesolithic
Velay Plateau
pyrockastites
basalts
flows
columnar jointing
rock-shelters
raw material
hyaloclastites
caves
Middle Palaeolithic
Mousterian
Origin
Hal importedCollections