Tafonomia y ambiente sedimentario del yacimiento de Huelago

Abstract

This work analyses the sedimentary environment and accumulative natural agents that contributed to the Huélago site formation (Middle Villafranchian). The fossiliferous assemblage was accumulated in the paludine fringe of a calcareous, fresh water lacustrine system. The mud-flats were crossed by low energy alluvial currents with outlets in the lacustrine area. Severa1 floods have been recognized that conditioned the spatial distribution and composition of the bone remains. Huélago shows a mixture of bones transported by alluvial currents together with remains deposited almost in situ. The percentage of isolated teeth and sprinters is higher in the paleochannels, whereas horns and maxillas are found mainly within the mar1 levels. Weathering was a decisive factor in the fracturation of the bone assemblage. Predator-scavenger activity in the herbaceous swamped margins of the lacustrine area has been found. The great diversity of ruminant artiodactyls, in particular browsers is indicative of wooded or bushy areas in the surroundings of Huélago, although not in the immediate area of the lake. A data base compiled the severa1 variables measured for each recovered bone and provided information for the statistical and graphic programs used in the study of the Huélago site.