ESR/U-series dating of Eemian human occupations of Northern France

Palaeolithic sites associated with the Eemian Interglacial (MIS 5e) are very rare in NW Europe, and especially Northern France, where their preservation is restricted to specific geological contexts, association carbonated tufa (Caours) or peat deposits (Waziers). In order check reliability of ESR/U-series method date teeth recovered from archaeological levels such environments, were sampled on these two Middle systematic situ dosimetry was performed using portable gamma spectrometer. The ages obtained Caours site homogeneous allowing calculation a mean age equal 125 ± 11 ka, agreement age, mammal's other available geochronological data (U-series carbonate, TL burnt flints, OSL sediments), despite relatively heterogeneous dosimetric environment (gamma dose rate ranging between ca 200–450 ?Gy/a). At Waziers, reducing (water logging) linked leads U-series analysed (U content lower than 0.1 ppm all dental tissues, evidence leaching some tissues), but 129 4 also palaeoenvironmental indicating that dated Late Glacial prior climatic interglacial optimum. These case studies then confirm good accuracy short events (ca 10 ka).