Latest Pleistocene paleoenvironmental reconstructions from the Swabian Jura, southwestern Germany: Evidence from stable isotope analysis and micromammal remains

Abstract Paleoenvironmental and climatic reconstructions are reported for latest Pleistocene (Paleolithic) contexts from the Swabian Jura of southwestern Germany. In particular, we focus on the late glacial interval, ~18,000 to 11,600 cal yr BP, using faunal remains from Langmahdhalde, a recently excavated Late Magdalenian site in the Lone Valley. We use two different proxies for reconstruction: (1) stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of bone collagen from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and horse (Equus ferus) and (2) the application of a bioclimatic model to the micromammal assemblage from the site. We use these results to discuss the environmental context of Magdalenian hunter-gatherers in the Lone Valley and argue that, although they generally lived in tundra environments, their landscape was heterogeneous and likely had pockets of trees and/or denser vegetation. Our study documents warmer winter temperatures, increased precipitation, and longer vegetative activity periods than those of modern tundra environments.