The Sedimentary Record of Human Evolution

Gail Ashley
Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey

When and where humans evolved are fundamental questions that capture our attention and spark curiosity. Until recently most geologists involved in human origins research were geochronologists interested in dating fossils and adding branches to the hominin family tree. Questions now being asked need an interdisciplinary approach.
Why did humans leave the safety of trees? What were the drivers that may have nudged hominids toward bipedalism and developed species that failed, while only one ultimately succeeded? Were the development of tools, the exodus from Africa, and brain development leading to language, art and imagination a passive or direct response to some paleo-environmental stresses?

Sedimentary Geology is crucial to finding the answers to these questions. Studies involving (1) stratigraphy and correlation, (2) paleoclimate and climate change, (3) paleoenvironmental reconstruction, (4) water and food resources, (5) sourcing of raw materials for stone tools, and (6) associated flora and fauna at sites in East Africa show that Sedimentary Geology provides fundamental insights into questions of human origins.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90101 © 2010 AAPG Foundation Distinguished Lecturer Series 2009-2010