Nature 246, 75 - 79 (09 November 1973); doi:10.1038/246075a0

Geomorphological Dating of Cave Openings at Makapansgat, Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Taung

T. C. PARTRIDGE

PO Box 31023, Braamfontein, Transvaal

Cave opening at several of the South African hominid sites occurred through incision and valley widening in one current erosion cycle. Measurements of rates of cyclic nickpoint migration and valley flank recession make possible time-place transpositions, and the approximate date of cavern opening can be determined for each site. In each case this date represents a terminus post quem for the accumulation of hominid-bearing deposits.

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