New perspectives on the fossilization of faunal remains and the formation of the Florisbad archaeozoological site, South Africa

Abstract

New perspectives on the hydrology, salinization of organic-clay layers, fossilization of faunal remains, and the formation of the Florisbad spring site are presented here. These are based on a critique of previous hypotheses, as well as new evidence and subsequent research. It is contended that the fossilization of faunal remains could not (as was previously postulated) have taken place in areas of spring activity due to the low Ca content of the spring water and a high Eh resulting from spring flow. It is further contended that fossils occurring in areas of spring activity were demineralized. Evidence suggests that fossilization of faunal remains at Florisbad took place in the environs associated with organic-clay layers, which had high Ca concentrations and a low Eh. A new hypothesis is put forward to account for the depositional history of the Florisbad spring site. This accommodates the formation of the site in light of its stratigraphy, geomorphology, salinization processes, and the fossilization of faunal remains. This hypothesis also explains a number of observed geomorphic anomalies.