BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 1046          Total No. of Sites: 0
Survey/Project Name: Lessons of past climate change - Blanche Cave
Abstract: This project aims to examine past climate change through analysis of fossils preserved within a deposit in Blanche Cave 3rd Chamber (entrance 5U6), Naracoorte Caves National Park, South Australia Project involved fossil excavations, geochronological and sedimentary analyses, and plant and vertebrate fossil analyses. Links to Projects 1045 and 1047: Lessons of Past Climate Change - Bat Cave and 'Lessons of Past Climate Change - Robertson Cave.
 
Start Date: 06/09/2011      End Date: 30/09/2013
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: Third Chamber, Blanche Cave (entrances 5U4,5,6), Naracoorte Caves National Park: Zone 54, Easting 481872, Northing 5901424.
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: Refer to Abstract.
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: SAMPLE COLLECTION: Two existing 1 m2 grid squares (C2 and C3) in Blanche Cave 3rd Chamber were deepened by 1 m. An additional 16 sedimentary layers were recovered, building on the 27 from the first 1 m in depth as excavated for project: Taphonomy and Site Formation - Blanche Cave by Dr Liz Reed. The 16 layers were excavated individually, in section of up to 5 cm thick. VERTEBRATE FOSSIL PREPARATION: Excavated sediment has been wet screened. Sorting and identification is ongoing. VERTEBRATE FOSSIL REGISTRATION: Researcher has indicated that diagnostic material will be registered to the South Australian Museum. Non-diagnostic material that is unsuitable for SAM registration will be stored in labelled bags. SEDIMENTARY ANALYSES: 1 kg of sediment was reserved from each layer for sedimentary, geochronological and fossil pollen analysis. 10 x 10 g sediment samples were collected from the exposed sediment profile for micro-imaging of the sediment. GEOCHRONOLOGICAL ANALYSES: 1 kg of sediment was reserved from each layer for sedimentary, geochronological and fossil pollen analysis. Sedimentary cores were taken from the walls for OSL dating.

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