Geomorphology of the Balzi Rossi archaeological area and of its shallow seafloor (Ventimiglia, NW Italy)

Geomorphological mapping is a powerful tool for reconstructing the evolution of landscapes inhabited by human communities since prehistory. We present high-resolution (1:1000) geomorphological mapping of the Balzi Rossi archaeological area (Liguro-Provençal coast, NW Italy), an outstanding site for European prehistory which has been inhabited since the Middle Pleistocene. The map was produced by combining different types of remote sensing data, complimented with field survey. Both surface and submerged landforms are included from 70 m a.s.l. to the depth of ca. 10 m. All elevations were referenced to a tidal datum. The study area comprises a tectonically formed vertical cliff where karst dissolution along faults and fractures created several caves and rock shelters that were later settled by Middle and Upper Palaeolithic human groups. During the Pleistocene, the area experienced significant climatic shifts from interglacial to glacial conditions. Our work will aid archaeologists to unravel the responses of our ancestors to climatic and environmental changes.