Stratigraphy of Biśnik Cave: New data and interpretations

Abstract A new series of 11 radiocarbon (AMS) dates were obtained to the Biśnik Cave, one of the most important Central European sites. New AMS dates contributed to a more precise stratigraphic model for the complex sequence of sediments in this site. Received results showed that layer 1a is younger than 15 kyr, and layers 1b, 1 and 2 are dated on 25–15 kyr. Layers 4–3 were dated on 40–35 kyr, while layers 7–5 on 70-40 kyr. Layer 7 is the first and the uppermost strata in the whole profile out of the radiocarbon method. The new re-examination of chronology and fauna shed new light on the history of Biśnik fauna. The obtained UTh date of an age of 225 ± 27 kyr confirmed assignation layer 18 to MIS 7. Results of AMS dating were compared with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and uranium-thorium dates as well as with results of biostratigraphic analysis. Results of data received from different direct dating methods (AMS, UTh, OSL, and TL) are confirmed also by data obtained from the biostratigraphic analysis. Only the maximum age of the lowermost sediments is still debatable. The whole, exceptionally abundant fauna, documented last ∼340 kyr, roughly between MIS 10/9-1. Among mammals, ancient species, early and mid-Middle Pleistocene faunal markers are absent.