The stratigraphy of the Sima de los Huesos (Atapuerca, Spain) and implications for the origin of the fossil hominin accumulation

摘要: Abstract The Sima de Los Huesos (SH) is one of the many archaeo-palaeontological sites in Sierra Atapuerca. characteristics this palaeoanthropological site are unusual, due to large size hominin accumulation and its location far from karst entrances, at least today. In order investigate geological processes involved formation their relation deposit, we have performed a study stratigraphical sequence depositional history SH. Analysis correlation identified layers has allowed us redefine structure based on twelve lithostratigraphic units, which can be further grouped into five allostratigraphic units delimited by erosional boundaries. results show that there was only stratigraphic event accumulation. Cave bears other carnivores occur with fossils same layer, but continued accumulating above deposit an overlying layer. Our findings also argue against hypothesis or carnivore bones were transported SH locus primary remote present day location. reveals that, time fossil accumulations, possible access chamber deep vertical conduit, impossible climb.