2022 study of Pleistocene deposits in the south chamber of the Denisova cave

The article discusses the results of a lithological and study investigation of the Pleistocene sequence in the middle part of the South Chamber of the Denisova Cave. During the work, the stratigraphic structure of the section was studied, the changes in the material composition of the previously distinguished stratigraphic units were identified, and their lithological description was made. The features of individual layers occurrence, their genesis were determined; the nature of manifestation of post-sedimentary deformations of the sediment was clarified compared to the previously studied sections of the East and Main Chambers of the cave. In terms of sedimentation and lithology, the studied sequence is formed by two units separated by well-defined sedimentation breaks. The unit of layers 11-18 is composed of light and medium variegated loams, abundantly saturated with blocky-rubbly material. The inclusions contain numerous fragments of bones with various preservation degrees, animal coprolites, lithic artifacts, and charcoal fragments. The formation of these sediments occurred after the opening of the karst cavity in an environment of intense biogenic and anthropogenic impact with a sharply increased influence of regional climatic factors on the sedimentation process. Stratigraphic subdivisions of layer 19 are represented by loamy deposits of predominantly ocher-yellow color with inclusions of limestone blocks and rubble. As in sections in the East and Main Chambers, genetically, it represents the redeposited material of the cave terra rossa characteristic of closed karst cavities. Important diagnostic features of such sediments are the non-carbonate content and the complete absence of the Pleistocene fauna bone remains. The accumulation of this material corresponds to the most ancient stages of cave filling, when the karst cavity was mostly isolated from external influences.