Publications
Détails
Moeyersons, J. 1997. ‘Geomorphological processes and their palaeoenvironmental significance at the Shum Laka cave (Bamenda, western Cameroon)’. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 133: 103-116. Elsevier Science B.V. (PR).
Article dans une revue scientifique / Article dans un périodique
The climatic-environmental history of the Shum Laka cave (western Cameroon) and its surroundings has been
established by means of geomorphological, sedimentological and botanical data, tied in a well-dated stratigraphical
sequence. Since ~ 30,000 yr BP, this mountainous area (1,650-2,000 m ASL) has never been a desert, nor a tropical
forest. Temperatures seldom significantly dropped below freezing. Mountain forest, with galleries along the water
courses and grassland in between, prevailed most of the time. A certain evolution can be observed from ~ 31,000 to
~20,000 yr BP. Annual precipitation was initially higher than today, and subsequently somewhat lower. From
13,000 yr BP onwards, humidity and temperatures increased again. Around 9,000 yr BP they probably reached
higher values than today. From 9,000 yr BP human activity became very apparent. This may have influenced the
evolution of the natural landscape, and obliterated climatological effects.
This evolution has been interrupted three times by dryer climatic conditions, which each time lasted for only 1 or
2 millennia, respectively at ~33,000, at 11,000, and at ~3,000 yr BP. Another important, less humid, episode
occurred between 6,070 and 3,180 yr BP. Finally, there is some evidence for a drier period between 8,480 and 7,150 yr
BP. The climatic evolution, established for the Shum Laka cave, confirms and refines former data from the area and
is in good agreement with data from Barombi Mbo and Chad. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.