Taphonomic insights from modern and palaeontological specimens collected from underwater caves

Abstract

Paleontological and archaeological assemblages in submerged caves have been identified across the globe, offering some of the best-preserved examples of Quaternary faunal records. These assemblages are often comingled and time-averaged, with minimal stratification, necessitating a new framework for interpreting depositional histories. To date, few taphonomic studies have focused on the unique burial environments of submerged caves, settings that transition between wet and dry conditions due to changing sea levels across past glacial–interglacial cycles. This research explores how patterns of submersion affect bone preservation, using neotaphonomic and observational approaches that incorporate spatial, macroscopic, and microscopic analytical techniques. Specifically, we investigate whether taphonomic signatures can differentiate between animals deposited directly into wet caves, those that were secondarily submerged after decay, or those subjected to repeated submersion events. Drawing on data from two flooded cave sites in Mount Gambier, South Australia, we present current insights into bone surface and histotaphonomic modifications observed across modern domestic species, and both extinct and extant Pleistocene fauna.

About the presenter

Meg Walker

Meg is a PhD candidate at Griffith University researching fossil assemblages in underwater caves across Australia. As a trained cave diver, archaeologist, and palaeontologist, she works with a team of specialists to recover and study fossils, contributing to the understanding of Quaternary megafauna extinctions. Her research ranges from macroscale to nanoscale analysis, aiming to identify taphonomic and diagenetic patterns linked to past glacial and interglacial periods. With a background in archaeological science and consulting, Meg applies diverse techniques to investigate complex questions from multiple perspectives.