A site formation model for Cuncaicha rock shelter: Depositional and postdepositional processes at the high?altitude keysite in the Peruvian Andes

We report results from geoarchaeological investigations at Cuncaicha rock shelter (4480 m above sea level) in the high Andes of southern Peru. Using field observations, geomorphological, micromorphological, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Bayesian modeling radiocarbon ages, and archaeological data, we analyzed entire stratigraphic sequence to determine depositional postdepositional processes agents assess impact bioturbation correlate deposits with regional paleoenvironmental information. The record is represented well on a microscale, has not destroyed integrity. Terminal Pleistocene sediments that contain oldest material site, dating ~12.3–11.1 ka, are especially preserved capped by layer tufa. Depositional changes autochthonous carbonate precipitation during toward allochthonous aeolian sedimentation Early Holocene reflect changing environmental climatic conditions. Formation soil Late-Middle caused alterations likely correlates variable use these formulate site formation model for integrates archaeological, chronological, data.