Terrestrial dunes, man and the late quaternary environment in southern Tasmania
Abstract Three source-bordering sand sheets that occur adjacent to the Derwent estuary and were occupied by Aboriginal groups have been examined. Two lunette sites in the Tasmanian Midlands, one occupied by Aboriginals the other not, have also been examined. Geomorphologic, stratigraphic, pedologic, and archaeologic evidence is used to decipher the broad sequence of late Quaternary environmental changes, and the effects of occupation. A broadly parallel sequence of changes is suggested by the two areas. The data suggest that relatively cold, dry, climatic conditions prevailed during the late Last Glacial Stage (25,000–10,000 B.P.), and that more humid conditions preceded and succeeded this period. The aeolian landforms and events compare with similar forms and events recorded from SE mainland Australia.