A micro-geoarchaeological view on stratigraphy and site formation processes in the Middle, Upper and Epi-Paleolithic layers of Sefunim Cave, Mt. Carmel, Israel

Abstract This paper presents a micro-geoarchaeological study carried out on the sedimentary sequence exposed at entrance of Sefunim Cave, Israel, that spans from Middle Paleolithic to early Epipaleolithic periods. Using FTIR and micromorphological techniques, we investigated stratigraphic reconstruct patterns site use archaeological formation processes. We identified processes are common among caves sites in Southern Levant, mainly deposition local terra rossa through colluvial sedimentation. Taphonomic disturbances deposits range minimal moderate, exhibited by root burrowing activity, but with no evidence for significant transport materials. While upper layers (II–III) decalcified, precipitation secondary calcite results increasing cementation sediments depth lower (V–VII). observed variation microscopic scale an inverse correlation between human carnivore activity throughout layers. presence micro-archaeological materials such as chert, bone, charcoal, rubified clay, burnt bone shell, wood ash. phosphatic grains coprolite fragments well chewed digested bones. conclude was characterized episodes varying intensity, based frequency finds within different The alternating Cave may demonstrate close-knit interactions reciprocal relations humans shared caves.