HOLOCENE STRATIGRAPHY AND LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION OF THE CHUDDIA RIVER VALLEY, WESTERN SICILY

This geologic research complements the Sicilian/Scandinavian Archaeological Project by describing changes in slope, vegetative cover, fluvial sediment supply, sedimentation patterns, and identifying key paleosol layers within the stratigraphic record. The project is using geomorphic and stratigraphic interrelationships of Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial and colluvial sequences to reconstruct landscape conditions during the Bronze to Roman Age settlement of western Sicily. Geologic aspects such as tectonics, fluvial sedimentation, and soil formation as related to archaeological and climate change data should produce valuable information in regards to settlement patterns, agricultural development, and the anthropogenic modification of the Sicilian landscape. The following research questions provide a guide to general project objectives: First, what were the natural resources available to settlers during ancient times? Second, how did the natural progression of climate change affect landscape evolution in western Sicily? Third, how have anthropogenic landscape modifications affected Sicilian landscape development? Fourth, what role has landscape evolution played in the sociopolitical development of western Sicily?

Current research is located in the Chuddia River Valley (el. 230 m) between Monte Polizzo (el. 700 m) and Montange Grande (el. 750 m) covering an area of 17 km^2. Montange Grande is proximal to the Chuddia River and has shed carbonate clasts into the basin. Massive Pleistocene debris fans, 20 to 60+ meters thick, extend basinward and intermittently blanket Montange Grande. Monte Pollizo is dominated by the Terravecchia Formation containing interbedded sandstone/shale sequences. Sandstone cobbles and boulders from Monte Pollizo are present within basin stratigraphy. Six stratigraphic sections have been completed on the banks of the Chuddia River. Sections are typically 3m and exhibit multiple depositional events, clast to matrix supported debris flow deposits interbedded with fluvial sediments, common Bronze to Roman Age pottery, charcoal fragments, and a possible paleosol dating back to 200 B.C.. These sections were sampled and are currently undergoing physical, chemical, and palynological analyses.