In order to identify older wadi terraces and tectonic displacements in the surroundings of Sodmein Cave/Egypt, several DGPS measurements and laserscans (Dirk Hoffmeister, project Z2) were conducted in the cavity and the adjacent wadi.
About 11 km northwest of Sodmein Cave, in the same limestone ridge of Djebel Duwi, another cave – referred to as Saqia – was also subject of our geoarchaeological investigations. First U/Th-datings (Augusto Mangini, University of Heidelberg) made on a speleothem sampled in spring 2012 have provided remarkable results. Three growth rate periods could be identified which reveal an apparently humid climate for the periods between 81 to 87 ka, 94 to 107 ka, and between 117 to 122 ka. Investigations will be continued in future field trips.
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Dirk Hoffmeister in front of Sodmein Cave preparing the laserscanner for the next operation. Photo: Karin Kindermann |
Mathias Ritter documenting travertine in Saqia Cave. Photo: Olaf Bubenzer |