The contribution of abiotic markers in interpreting the taphonomic weathering of Homiphoca long-bones from Langebaanweg, South Africa

Abstract

We examine weathering on early Pliocene Homiphoca capensis long-bones discovered in deposits from Langebaanweg (West Coast Fossil Park) coastal site, Western Cape, South Africa. Thus far, taphonomic research of phocid seal remains retrieved from ‘E’ Quarry have focused on biotic markers. The abiotic taphonomic study is limited and reliant upon the Weathering Series classified by Behrensmeyer; the current weathering base stages do not, however, reflect the abiotic weathering progression we found preserved in a sample of 653 Homiphoca long-bones. Utilizing Behrensmeyer's definition for early weathering stages (0 and 1), we recognized five new substages within the palaeoenvironment of ‘E’ Quarry and applied them to the Homiphoca long-bones. We suggest that this contribution could be applied to other fossil assemblages with a view to addressing some current biases and furthering understanding of depositional histories.