Geoarchaeology and Heritage Management: Identifying and Quantifying Multi-Scalar Erosional Processes at Kisese II Rockshelter, Tanzania

A multi-scalar geoarchaeological study at Kisese II rockshelter, Tanzania, reveals alarming erosion rates that threaten the loss of significant Pleistocene-Holocene archaeological records. Analysis shows a maximum sediment loss of 68 cm over 63 years, with ongoing erosion estimated at ~1 cm/year, suggesting the potential removal of much of the last ~4000 years of archaeological deposits. The study combines regional-, landscape-, and site-scale analyses, including historical records, aerial photographs, field surveys, and micromorphological examination, to document changes in vegetation cover, erosional regimes, and sedimentary dynamics since the 1920s. These findings underscore the urgency for mitigation strategies to preserve the remaining stratigraphy at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Patania, I., Porter, S. T., Keegan, W. F., Dihogo, R., Frank, S., Lewis, J., Mashaka, H., Ogutu, J., Skosey-Lalonde, E., Tryon, C. A., Niespolo, E. M., Colarossi, D., & Ranhorn, K. L. (2022). Geoarchaeology and Heritage Management: Identifying and Quantifying Multi-Scalar Erosional Processes at Kisese II Rockshelter, Tanzania. Frontiers in Earth Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.665193