河南渑池县仰韶遗址人群与水源的先后关系

Chronological order of human settlement and water surrounding the Yangshao neolithic site in Mianchi County, Henan Province

关键词:  新石器时代  仰韶遗址  冲沟阶地  水源  古环境重建

Key words:  neolithic  Yangshao site  gully terrace  surrounding water  palaeoenvironmental reconstruction

摘要:

河南省渑池县的仰韶村遗址是黄河流域著名的新石器时代遗址。该遗址东、西两侧冲沟出现的时间对判定仰韶时期人类对定居环境的选择具有重要意义。依据野外观察和研究团队先前测年数据重建冲沟阶地的发育过程。结果表明：西侧冲沟在距今约27 ka就已形成完整的阶地序列，远早于距今7—5 ka的仰韶时期。运用TraCE-21ka再现了遗址区域12 ka以来的气候特征，认为仰韶时期遗址区域的夏季（6—8月）平均降水量为190—200 mm，高于现代水平。基于安特生对仰韶遗址地形-地貌的横切面图，结合光释光年代和阶地研究，初步绘制了仰韶时期遗址地形-地貌的横切面图，认为东、西两沟先于仰韶遗址人群的出现并为他们提供了充足的水源。结合地貌分析推测，仰韶人群对居所的选择是出于水源地和安全需求的考虑，这为研究我国史前“人地关系”尤其是“人水关系”提供了新的视角。

Abstract:

Background, aim, and scope Yangshao Village, located in Mianchi County, Henan Province, is one of the most renowned neolithic sites along the Yellow River Valley. In 1921, Swedish geologist Johan Gunnar Andersson described the geomorphological features of the Xigou and Donggou gullies in the area, proposing they formed shortly after human activity during the Yangshao period. However, preliminary OSL dating of sand layers and overlying loess across the Xigou gully terraces have suggested they predate the Yangshao period (7—5 ka). This study aims to clarify the chronological relationship between the Yangshao settlement and the surrounding water systems, and to update our understanding of the geomorphological context of the Yangshao people’s habitation. Materials and Methods Through field investigations, terrace tracing and OSL data analysis, we reconstructed the developmental history of the Xigou gully terraces. We used the TraCE-21ka climate simulation to model the climatic conditions of the site during the Yangshao period. Building on Andersson’s research, we qualitatively reconstructed a topographic-geomorphological cross-section of the site prior to the Yangshao settlement. Results (1) OSL data indicate the Xigou gully terraces formed in three distinct stages: before 126 ka, before 54 ka, and around 27 ka, significantly earlier than the Yangshao period. (2) Climate simulations show that both the intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and summer (June—August) precipitation during the Yangshao period exceeded modern levels, resulting in increased water flow in the gullies. Discussion (1) Previous OSL data confirm that the Xigou gully terraces existed long before the Yangshao settlement. TraCE-21ka simulations and geological records reveal stronger EASM and higher summer precipitation (190—200 mm) during the Yangshao period compared to today. These climatic factors likely drove repeated downcutting by flowing water, contributing to terrace formation. (2) Our reconstructed cross-sectional diagram shows that the surface morphology of the Xigou and Donggou gullies during the Yangshao period closely resembles present-day conditions, contradicting Andersson’s hypothesis. We propose that small gullies 1 and 2 were undeveloped prior to human activity, with relatively flat surfaces consistent with Andersson’s view. While the Xigou and Donggou gullies were already formed, their groundwater levels during the Yangshao period were similar to current levels. In contrast, the groundwater levels in small gullies 1 and 2 were slightly lower than the flat surface but higher than current levels, suggesting Andersson’s assumption of a uniformly flat pre-settlement landscape may be incorrect. (3) Based on the reconstructed environmental context, we infer that the water in the Xigou and Donggou gullies provided natural protection for the Yangshao people. The population likely accessed water via gentle slopes, cultivated crops on flat terraces, and built homes and pottery kilns on higher ground: laying the foundation for a flourishing pottery culture. Conclusions The geomorphological patterns of the Yangshao settlement have remained largely consistent over time. The Xigou and Donggou gullies, along with their water systems, served as natural topographic defenses for the Yangshao people. Recommendations and Perspectives A quantitative reconstruction of the chronological sequence of the gully terraces remains a long-term goal. Due to limited survey and measurement data, our topographic reconstruction is preliminary and qualitative. Nonetheless, this study enriches the palaeoenvironmental understanding of the site and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between practitioners of chronology and archaeology. We hope to honor the legacy of our predecessors and encourage the integration of new techniques in future research.