Willandra Lakes Region
The fossil remains of a series of lakes and sand formations that date from the Pleistocene can be found in this region, together with archaeological evidence of human occupation dating from 45–60,000 years ago. It is a unique landmark in the study of human evolution on the Australian continent. Several well-preserved fossils of giant marsupials have also been found here.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/167
The Willandra Lakes Region is a geologically unique area of dry lakebeds rich in fossils. Globally it is important for its very earlyhomo sapiens findings. They include the world's oldest cremation site (26,000 years old) and remains of settlement up to 40,000 years ago (agricultural use, stone tools).
It is the most important site in Australia to observe the period when the giant marsupials became extinct and the human race became dominant.
The WHS covers 7 former lakes in 2,400 square kilometres. The lakes dried out about 15,000 years ago. High winds on the exposed lake floors formed large clay dunes, lunettes, which are rare in the world.
http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/willandralakes.html
No comments:
Post a Comment