Canales Travertínicos de Alicún (S de España): Implicaciones en el uso Neolítico del agua y en la interpretación de la evolución climática reciente

Abstract

Four «self-built» travertine canals located in the vecinity of the Alicún hydrothermal springs CS Spain) were studied. Two canals are presently functional and their growth patterns have shown that their existences require human maintenance. The ancient canals have been dated by diferent methods (C-14, U-series, and AMS-radiocarbon) and their radiocarbon polen dating are 3660 and 2660 yr B.P. respectively. These data make possible to confirm the existence of an European Neolithic culture, in this area, with water control and management. Finally, the palynologie studies on the travertine canals, reveals the existence of mediterranean-like climatic conditions, at least since 3660 yr B.P. in southern Spain.