BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 1039          Total No. of Sites: 0
Survey/Project Name: Mammalian responses to Pleistocene climate change - Cathedral Cave
Abstract: This project aims to investigate Pleistocene mammal fauna responses to climate change through an analysis of fossils preserved in a deposit in Fossil Chamber of Cathedral Cave (5U12/13), Naracoorte Caves National Park, South Australia, by A/Prof. Gavin Prideaux. Project built on earlier work 'Middle-Pleistocene vertebrate fossil assemblage' by Mr Steve Brown and Prof. Rod Wells. Project involved fossil excavation, and chronological and sedimentary analysis. PROJECT SPECIFIC PUBLICATIONS: Prideaux, G.J., Roberts, R.G., Megirian, D., Westaway, K.E., Hellstrom, J.C. and Olley, J.M. 2007. Mammalian responses to Pleistocene climate change in south-eastern Australia. Geology 35, 33-36.
 
Start Date: 01/01/2003      End Date: 31/12/2004
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: Fossil Chamber, Cathedral Cave (5U12 and 5U13), Naracoorte Caves National Park: Zone 54, Easting 482008, Northing 5900989
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: Refer to Abstract.
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: SAMPLE COLLECTION: Project examined fossil material excavated under previous projects from Pits A and B. Nine grid squares (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I) within Pit B were established and further excavation was undertaken. Grid squares A-D each measured 1m2. Grid squares E-I were smaller (size unknown). Sedimentary units identified in the project were labelled 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4, each extending variably across the nine grid squares. See associated publications for further details. The grid squares in Pit B were excavated in spits of 10cm depth, following the sedimentary units. VERTEBRATE FOSSIL PREPARATION: Large bones were cleaned and approximately 50% of the collection hardened with polyvinyl butyrate solution. Sediment bags were wet screened and sorted for mammalian diagnostic specimens. Large mammalian diagnostic material identified to species level and registered with the South Australian Museum. All small mammal specimens were identified but only a representative specimen for each species from each unit was registered. VERTEBRATE FOSSIL REGISTRATION: Mammalian diagnostic elements registered to South Australian Museum palaeontology collection, SAM P32601-P32985. SEDIMENTARY ANALYSES: 14 sediment samples of hand-specimen size from each unit sequence were collected and used to produce thin-section slides/chips, which were microscopically analysed. More details in supporting information for associated publications. GEOCHRONOLOGICAL ANALYSES: Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating of Quartz grains of 90-125 m diameter extracted from sediment samples. U-Th dates of flowstone separating Units 3 and 4. Details in associated publication.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Fauna : Fossil excavation
Fauna : Climate and climate change related investigations
Information Authority: Flinders University of SA
Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:South East)