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A MaxEnt predictive model for palaeontological sites in the Siwalik Hills

A case study from the Pinjor Formation of the Upper Siwalik Hills near Chandigarh, northern India

Bibliographic Data

ID21264092
AuthorsAnubhav Preet Kaur (0000-0001-5134-2009, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, corresponding author), Matthew L Sisk, Matthew Sisk (0000-0002-4141-9655, University of Notre Dame), Parth R Chauhan (0000-0002-2291-0721)
Year2024
Volume2
Issue5
Pages100017
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQuaternary Environments and Humans (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2950-2365 • E-ISSN: 2950-2365
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.qeh.2024.100017
OpenAlexW4400308072
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited47

This study presents application of the MaxEnt predictive model to identify potential palaeontological sites in the Siwalik Hills, focusing on the Pinjor Formation near Chandigarh, northern India. The Siwalik region holds rich vertebrate palaeontological records, yet lacks comprehensive site prediction models. This research employs MaxEnt (3.4.0) software, to predict areas suitable for fossil occurrences. Georeferenced presence data was derived from literature and field surveys, for training the model. Environmental predictors including Pinjor geological deposit boundary, Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Slope and Aspect were from a digital elevation model. Furthermore, model development involved parameter tuning, for developing a potentially useful model. Field validation of the model through pedestrian surveys identified new fossil localities, demonstrating the model's practical applicability. This research emphasizes the importance of MaxEnt in developing site predictive models, offering a valuable tool for optimizing palaeontological field surveys. While highlighting the model's success, the study also recognizes its limitations, especially concerning landscape and vegetation changes over time. Overall, this work establishes a foundation for further research in predictive modelling for palaeontological exploration in the Siwalik region and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary efforts in salvage palaeontology to mitigate anthropogenic threats

Archaeology · Cartography · Digital elevation model · Geography · Machine learning · Physical geography · Predictive modelling · Remote sensing · Computer Science · Remote Sensing and LiDAR Applications · Species Distribution and Climate Change · Wildlife Ecology and Conservation · Geology · Paleontology

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Unique citing works3
Citations per year3
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 3
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