Export of Vleesbaai cryptotephra samples for analysis

We propose to export 524 sediment samples from the archaeological site Vleesbaai Area C (VBC) to the United States for the purpose of cryptotephra analysis. The goal of the analysis is to accurately identify cryptotephra (or microscopic volcanic glass shards) from the Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) which can be used to precisely link the deposits with neighboring sites (e.g., Vleesbaai Area B, KEH Cave 1, Pinnacle Point 5-6) as well as provide age estimates. This project is taking place at ERF 347 and ERF 298, Vleesbaai, Mossel Bay, Eden District, Western Cape (Excavation Permit Case Number 15031222GT0316E).