Tim C. Kinnaird

The late Mesoproterozoic–early Neoproterozoic tectonostratigraphic evolution of NW Scotland: the Torridonian revisited

The Torridonian succession of NW Scotland comprises three groups, deposited during late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic time, the Stoer, Sleat and Torridon. Previous workers have inferred that each was formed in a rift basin and that each is internally conformable. New fieldwork and detrital zircon age data indicate that this model is incorrect. Our main findings are as follows: (1) the facies characteristics and detrital zircon data for the Sleat Group indicate that it is genetically unrelated to the Torridon Group; (2) the Sleat and Stoer Groups contain features suggestive of deposition in extension-related basins that predate the c. 1.0 Ga Grenville Orogeny; (3) the base of the Applecross–Aultbea succession of the Torridon Group is an unconformity; (4) the Applecross–Aultbea succession is most objectively interpreted as a non-marine molasse. The significance of these data is that they can be used as a constraint to test and define tectonic models for the deposition of the Torridonian succession and geological evolution of the Scottish Highlands. The view that the Torridonian rocks record deposition in a suite of long-lived rifts whereas the rest of the consanguineous Laurentian margin experienced collisional and orogenic episodes becomes equivocal and in need of reassessment, if not outright abandonment.

Timing of uplift of the Troodos Massif (Cyprus) constrained by sedimentary and magnetic polarity evidence

Abstract: Plio-Pleistocene sediments exposed around the ophiolitic Troodos Massif document spectacular uplift from below sea level to a maximum height of c. 2000 m. Sedimentation reflects a dominant control of focused tectonic uplift, modified by the effects of glacio-eustatic sea-level change and climatic change. Understanding the uplift and controls on deposition has been hindered by an inadequate age model. Here, we present a preliminary investigation of the polarity of remanent magnetizations recorded within the upper part of the Pliocene succession in the Pissouri and Mesaoria basins and from the Pleistocene marine terrace deposits that border the Troodos Massif. When integrated with available lithostatigraphic and biostratigraphic data, the main results are as follows. Focused uplift of the Troodos Massif began during the Late Pliocene, either between 2.14 and 1.95 Ma or immediately prior to 1.77 Ma. Shallow-marine, ophiolite-derived clastic and bioclastic sediments accumulated in both the Mesaoria and Pissouri basins, implying that the Troodos Massif was uplifted as a single tectonic entity. Non-marine, deltaic and fluvial facies prograded into both of the basins during the Pleistocene (1.77 Ma–recent). Marine terraces in SW and south Cyprus were cut and covered by littoral sediments from <0.78 Ma, suggesting that high rates of uplift of the Troodos Massif persisted into mid- and late Pleistocene time.

Applying luminescence methods to geo-archaeology: a case study from Stronsay, Orkney

Luminescence methods were used to date a palaeoenvironmental coastal exposure on Stronsay, Orkney. The section consists of glacial sediments that are overlain by intercalated peats and windblown sands, implying varying past environmental conditions. Rapid luminescence characterisation was undertaken using screening methods in combination with quantitative dating of selected samples, providing information on depositional processes and chronology. A temporal discontinuity between the glacial sediments and later peats encompasses the period associated with an important Mesolithic site located inland, and implies erosional episodes. The onset of blanket bog formation on Stronsay dates to 3760±330 yrs BP, consistent with observations elsewhere in Orkney and northern Scotland. Periods of enhanced aeolian activity on Stronsay occurred in the late Bronze Age (2700±265 yrs BP) and at the beginning of the Little Ice Age (650±75 yrs BP). Recent periods of sand deposition in the 19th and 20th centuries (AD 1865±20 and 1960±5) correspond to periods of known historic storminess. These results add to an expanding catalogue of data on sand movements throughout the Holocene in Orkney, and set a framework to interpret the evolution of nearby archaeological and natural landscapes from prehistoric to modern times.

Tectonic and sedimentary response to subduction and incipient continental collision in southern Cyprus, easternmost Mediterranean region

Abstract Evidence mainly from Neogene–Recent sedimentary units and penetrative structures (faults and folds) is used to constrain stress regimes in Cyprus. Following c. south-vergent folding/thrusting, a regional change to extension activated several depocentres during the Late Miocene–Early Pliocene. Fault analysis establishes that kinematic linkages existed between the four Late Miocene basins in southern and western Cyprus. During Late Pliocene(?)–Early Pleistocene time there was a switch to c. east–west left-lateral strike-slip/transpression and fault reactivation. Late Pleistocene growth folding in western coastal Cyprus is explained by reactivation of extensional faults in a left-lateral stress regime. The timing of neotectonic faulting/folding in several areas is constrained by optically stimulated luminescence dating. Existing tectonic models involving north–south collision, left-lateral strike-slip and post-collisional suture tightening are problematic in certain respects. A new model is proposed in which Late Miocene extensional basin formation relates to northward subduction coupled with rollback of the African plate. Subduction culminated in collision of the Eratosthenes Seamount, the leading edge of the African plate, with the Cyprus active margin (c. 3 Ma). This initiated regional uplift focused on the Troodos Massif. Cyprus was by then coupled with Anatolia as it escaped westwards towards the Aegean subduction zone, giving rise to dominantly strike-slip-related structures in southern Cyprus during the Late Pliocene–Recent.

The earliest Buddhist shrine: excavating the birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini (Nepal)

Key locations identified with the lives of important religious founders have often been extensively remodelled in later periods, entraining the destruction of many of the earlier remains. Recent UNESCO-sponsored work at the major Buddhist centre of Lumbini in Nepal has sought to overcome these limitations, providing direct archaeological evidence of the nature of an early Buddhist shrine and a secure chronology. The excavations revealed a sequence of early structures preceding the major rebuilding by Asoka during the third century BC. The sequence of durable brick architecture supplanting non-durable timber was foreseen by British prehistorian Stuart Piggott when he was stationed in India over 70 years ago. Lumbini provides a rare and valuable insight into the structure and character of the earliest Buddhist shrines.

Early Medieval Settlement at Mothecombe, Devon: The Interaction of Local, Regional and Long-Distance Dynamics

Excavations at Meadowsfoot Beach, Mothecombe, south Devon, between 2004 and 2011 focused on two main areas. In the first, evidence for occupation in a sand dune included successive hearths and imported early medieval finds. In the second, three phases of early medieval structures were uncovered, along with more imported finds including amphora sherds. At least one of the structures was very large, and is presently unique in Devon. The landscape context of the site is considered along with the impact of sea-level change and coastal erosion. The paper concludes with a discussion of the site and its relationship to post-Roman networks of trade and communications with late Antique Atlantic Europe and the Mediterranean. We argue that Mothecombe helps us towards a better understanding of these networks by furnishing new insights on their social foundations in western Britain.

Changes and continuities in a Mediterranean landscape : a new interdisciplinary approach to understanding historic character in western Catalonia

Abstract To understand why historic landscapes changed in the past researchers need to identify when and where changes took place, but in rural landscapes, the origins and development of many historic elements including field systems, roads, terraces and other earthworks remain poorly understood. This paper outlines a practical interdisciplinary method using GIS-based historic landscape characterisation (HLC) to integrate data from different sources and model how historic character varies in space. It pilots an innovative approach using luminescence profiling and dating that can underpin the HLC with significantly improved knowledge of historic processes of change. We focus on four case studies of terraced agricultural landscapes in western Catalonia and demonstrate for the first time that existing terrace systems often have medieval or early modern origins.

Chronostratigraphy of an eroding complex Atlantic Round House, Baile Sear, Scotland

ABSTRACT A high-resolution chronostratigraphy has been established for an eroding Atlantic round house at Sloc Sàbhaidh (North Uist, Scotland), combining detailed OSL profiling and dating of sediments encompassing the main bracketing events associated with the monument, radiocarbon AMS dates on bone recovered from excavated features and fills within it, and TL dates on pottery and burnt clay. Concordant OSL and radiocarbon evidence place construction of the wheelhouse in the first to second centuries AD, contemporary with dates from the primary occupation. Beneath the wheelhouse, clay deposits containing burnt material, attest to cultural activity in vicinity to the monument in the preceding second to first centuries BC. At a later date, the southern wall collapsed, was rebuilt, and the interior spaces to the monument re-structured. The chronology for the later horizons identified from the sediment luminescence dates extends to the second half of the first millennium AD, which goes beyond the range of the radiocarbon dates obtained. The data from ceramics encompass both periods. The juxtaposition of the dating evidence is discussed relative to short and longer chronologies for this Iron Age monument. Corollaries of this research are the implications that based on the long chronology, some of the ecofacts (bone) appear to be residual, and that the temporal duration of Hebridean Coarse Ware may extend into the second half of the first millennium AD.