Geological, paleoenvironmental, and depositional dynamics at the Middle Pleistocene Palaeoloxodon antiquus-bearing site of Campo della Spina, Central Italy

Abstract

The paleontological site of “Campo della Spina”, in central Italy, offers valuable insights into Middle Pleistocene paleoenvironments. Excavations revealed well-preserved skeletal remains of an adult Palaeoloxodon antiquus, embedded in a sedimentary lens displaying alternating lacustrine and volcanoclastic flow characteristics. The well-preserved state of the remains suggests the elephant died at the site where it was found and was subsequent buried under conditions that facilitated preservation, while evidence of bone breakage and disarticulation indicates potential post-depositional disturbance, likely attributable to tractive water movements or debris flow events. These findings provide interdisciplinary research opportunities, shedding light on past climate dynamics and depositional processes. The site's significance lies in its contribution to understanding rapid aggradation, volcanic activity impacts, and climatic transitions during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 11- 9 intervals. The study highlights the importance of paleoclimate studies for informing contemporary climate change mitigation strategies. Overall, Campo della Spina offers a unique window into the interplay between climate dynamics, geological processes, and paleoenvironments, with implications for understanding past environmental changes and informing future conservation efforts.