Auteurs : Luis Alberto Borrero, Dominique Todisco, Igor Girault, Flavia Morello Repetto, Carole Nehme, Damase Mouralis, Amélie Quiquerez (UMR ARTHIS), Manuel San Román, Joel Rodet, Fabiana M. Martin.
Revue : Quaternary Science Reviews, vol. 388 / 2026
Résumé : Human dispersal in South Patagonia at the end of the Pleistocene proceeded at different rhythms, according with multiple factors. Peri-Andean areas where difficult to explore, given the complicated topography and harsh winters. The only patagonian area occupied by humans in association with Pleistocene fauna near the Andes is Última Esperanza, Chile. After glacier retreat from Cerro Benitez, a treeless landscape with southern beechtree patches and large grazing animals characterized the region. The arrival of foragers occurred ca. 12.7 ka., producing a short archaeological signal recorded at Cueva del Medio, Lago Sofía 1 and Cueva del Milodón. The hypothesis that human dispersal into Ultima Esperanza used long-distance mobility from the Pali Aike Lava Field in the eastern steppe is discussed. Pali Aike was a Late Pleistocene staging area from which several areas were probably explored.