Chronological studies of Shuidonggou (SDG) Locality 1 and their significance for archaeology

Shuidonggou Locality 1 (SDG 1), discovered in 1923, is one of the most important Upper Paleolithic sites in China, and excavations since its discovery have produced abundant cultural remains and other materials. However, only limited ranges of dating methods have been applied to the site. This study discusses the results of dating samples by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) from two sections at SDG 1. Medium grained (45–63 μm) quartz was extracted and used for age determination by the single aliquot regeneration (SAR) protocol. The OSL ages of five samples from the cultural layer in the section excavated in 1963 were between 32 ± 3 ka and 39 ± 4 ka, and four samples from the cultural layer excavated in 1980 were dated from 42 ± 3 ka to 46 ± 3 ka. The OSL data were consistent with newly acquired AMS 14C dates. The dating results show that ages varied from ca. 22 ka to 46 ka for the cultural layer at SDG 1. The onset of Levalloisian blade technology in China is dated to ca. 43 ka at SDG 1, perhaps reflecting a fast dispersal of modern humans, and earlier than previously thought. Systematic excavation at SDG 1 is needed to establish the exact stratigraphic position of Paleolithic assemblages in order to discuss their relationships with initial Upper Paleolithic industries in Eurasia.