From the Solo to the Madura Strait: Quaternary geology, vertebrate palaeontology and hominin chronology of eastern Java and submerged Sundaland

Berghuis, H.W.K. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis re-investigates the famous hominin sites of eastern Java from a geological perspective and places them in a framework of changing landscapes, under influence of local dynamic tectonism and volcanism, and regional factors such as a subsiding shelf and sea-level fluctuations. The stratigraphy is updated and the chronology of vertebrate-bearing levels is revised, with important implications for our understanding of the evolution and dispersal of species, including Homo erectus.

Eastern Java emerged by the end of the Pliocene and merged with the larger landmass of Sundaland in the course of the Early Pleistocene. Due to regional subsidence, Sundaland became subject to progressive flooding in the Middle Pleistocene, ultimately leading to large-scale shelf-drowning and island conditions for Java during MIS5 and MIS1. This highlights the importance of Sundaland as a Pleistocene terrestrial ecosystem. The thesis presents the first vertebrate record from this submerged landmass: an ancient valley of the Solo River at Madura Strait seabed, dated to ~ 140 ka. A detailed description is given of the > 6,000 collected specimens, which cover at least 36 vertebrate species including Homo erectus. Cut marks and battered bones give an exciting insight into subsistence strategies by these early hominins.

• Homo erectus
• Sundaland
• Java
• Pleistocene stratigraphy
• Vertebrate palaeontology
• Taphonomy
• Solo River
• Sea-level fluctuations
• Fluvial terraces
• OSL-dating

• All authors: Berghuis, H.W.K.
• Supervisor: Kolfschoten, M. van; Joordens, J.C.A.; Veldkamp, A.
• Committee: Soressi, M.A.; Kolen, J.; Henry, A.G.; Sutikna, T.; Busschers, F.S.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University
• Date: 2026-01-22