ABSTRACT
Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of quartz samples from linear and lunette dune sites in the southwestern Kalahari Desert indicates that dune building episodes occurred in the region at 11–13 ka ago and 1–1.5 ka ago. The formation of the dunes appear to have been single phase events. Climatic conditions responsible for dune building are considered, suggesting enhanced aridity and possibly greater windiness were contributory factors. Further analysis of other samples for OSL dating from the dunefield will allow a clearer picture of the temporal and spatial dynamics of late Quaternary aridity to be developed, but the ages indicated by this study accord well with palynological and palaeontological evidence for increased dryness in this part of the southern African summer rainfall zone.
