Phosphate Record in Pleistocene-Holocene Sediments from Denisova Cave: Formation Mechanisms and Archaeological Implications
Journal: Minerals
Year: 2022

The distribution of authigenic phosphates in the sedimentary sequence of prehistoric Denisova Cave (Altai, South Siberia) has important archeological implications. The sampled Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene sedimentary sequence in the East Chamber of the cave consists of argilo-sandy-phosphatic sediments intercalated with guano layers of insectivorous bats. The sediments bear partially degraded N-rich organic matter (OM); chitin fragments enriched in S, P, Zn, and Cu; and a set of phosphates. T