The Origin of Biogenic Horizons in the Pleistocene Strata of Denisova Cave: Mineralogical and Geochemical Markers Help to Reconstruct the Sources of Matter
https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2024.52.1.035-046
Abstract
We outline the results of mineralogical and geochemical analyses of Middle Pleistocene sediments of layer 21 in the Main Chamber of Denisova Cave, Altai. The aim of the study was to reveal a set of mineralogical and trace element markers of the black-colored horizons or lenses and to distinguish them from other types of cave sediments. Results were matched with those relating to a similar set of markers of black-colored horizons in the Holocene part of the section in the East Chamber. Results indicate probable sources of organic and organogenic substances in layer 21. The preservation of geochemical marks was assessed for Pleistocene in comparison with Holocene strata, where those markers are distinct. Black-colored lenses in layer 21 resemble biogenic sediments from Holocene section of the East Chamber. Both layers are characterized by high contents of N-bearing organic matter, P, Zn, Cu, and Cd. In bulk samples from Holocene sediments, numerous fragments of chitin (insect exoskeletons) and patches of newly formed Ca and Ca-Mg phosphates were found. We conclude that these peculiar lenses consist mostly of guano from insectivorous bats, and had undergone deep biodegradation. All black-colored horizons and lenses studied in Denisova Cave have a similar set of geochemical markers and distinctly differ from the adjacent strata by their phase, macro- and trace element compositions.
Keywords
Denisova Cave,
Pleistocene,
Holocene,
mineralogical and geochemical markers,
guano of insectivorous bats,
biodegradation
Supporting agencies: This study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Grant No. 22-28-00049, https://rscf.ru/project/22-28-00049/.
About the Authors
E. V. Sokol
Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Koptyuga 3, Novosibirsk, 630090
A. V. Nekipelova
Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Koptyuga 3, Novosibirsk, 630090
M. B. Kozlikin
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090
M. V. Shunkov
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090
S. N. Kokh
Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Koptyuga 3, Novosibirsk, 630090
V. D. Tikhova
Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 9, Novosibirsk, 630090
K. A. Filippova
South Urals Federal Research Center of Mineralogy and Geoecology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ilmensky Reserve, Miass, 456317
I. V. Danilenko
Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pr. Akademika Koptyuga 3, Novosibirsk, 630090
P. V. Khvorov
South Urals Federal Research Center of Mineralogy and Geoecology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ilmensky Reserve, Miass, 456317
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Review
For citations:
Sokol E.V., Nekipelova A.V., Kozlikin M.B., Shunkov M.V., Kokh S.N., Tikhova V.D., Filippova K.A., Danilenko I.V., Khvorov P.V. The Origin of Biogenic Horizons in the Pleistocene Strata of Denisova Cave: Mineralogical and Geochemical Markers Help to Reconstruct the Sources of Matter. Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia. 2024;52(1):35-46. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2024.52.1.035-046
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