Cave site formation processes, climate change and hominin activities: A high-resolution microstratigraphic investigation on the terminal Pleistocene deposits at Fodongdi Cave, Yunnan Province, South China

Abstract

High-resolution microstratigraphic investigations of tropical-subtropical cave deposits hold significant potential for profoundly expanding our understanding of how both environmental and anthropogenic factors affect regional sedimentary systems. Recent multi-proxy geoarchaeological research at Fodongdi Cave in Yunnan Province, South China, has uncovered rich Late Palaeolithic sedimentary and archaeological deposits. This study integrates results from soil micromorphology, sedimentology (particle-size, magnetic susceptibility), geochemistry (μFTIR, Raman, μXRF, pXRF), and radiocarbon dating. These analyses reveal various sedimentary, diagenetic, and biogenic formation processes, as well as indicators of anthropogenic activities such as shell midden and combustion features. We identify three main phases of human occupation at Fodongdi Cave (18.4–13.6 cal ka BP), each characterized by distinct types of activities that include a specialist subsistence strategy, long-term occupation within the cave, and activity concentrated near the cave entrance. By comparing our results with high-resolution regional climatic records, we suggest an interactive relationship between terminal Pleistocene climate change and human adaptive strategies in South China and Southeast Asia.