Neolithic settlement distributions as a function of sea level–controlled topography in the Yangtze delta, China

Research Article| December 01, 1996 Neolithic settlement distributions as a function of sea level–controlled topography in the Yangtze delta, China Daniel Jean Stanley; Daniel Jean Stanley 1Deltas–Global Change Program, Paleobiology, E-207 NMNH, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Zhongyuan Chen Zhongyuan Chen 2Department of Geography, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1996) 24 (12): 1083–1086. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<1083:NSDAAF>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Daniel Jean Stanley, Zhongyuan Chen; Neolithic settlement distributions as a function of sea level–controlled topography in the Yangtze delta, China. Geology 1996;; 24 (12): 1083–1086. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<1083:NSDAAF>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Combined geological and archaeological data sets indicate that sea level–controlled topography best explains the timing of Neolithic settlement onto the southern Yangtze delta plain, almost 1500 yr later than inland China. Information on settlement patterns of the three major Neolithic cultures (Ma-Jia-Bang, Song-Ze, Liang-Zhu), dated from ca. 5500 to 2200 B.C., is provided by petrologic study of habitat bases of sites and of sediment cores recovered near the sites. In the early Holocene, rising sea level induced decreased relief and an aggrading silt mantle on the low-lying delta surface. Changes of sea level and climate from early to mid-Holocene initiated a fertile delta plain at ca. 6000–5500 B.C., and settlement and cultivation, including rice, began within only 500 yr of delta formation. Rate of sea-level rise decelerated by mid-Holocene time, resulting in rising ground-water level and poor drainage, and a reduced delta plain area suitable for human occupation and agriculture. As a consequence, Neolithic settlements shifted progressively eastward toward higher, more restricted areas of the Yangtze delta chenier plain. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.