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The comparison between the microvertebrates from the Caune de l'Arago Q–R levels and P levels highlighted differences in their faunal palaeocommunities, notably with the presence of Pliomys episcopalis in the former level. The taphonomic analyses of birds, lagomorphs and micromammals remains have shown that these microvertebrate accumulations are due to the coprocoenosis of nocturnal birds of prey. Bubo bubo seems to be the main accumulating agent. The faunal representation biases are minimal between these levels. The changes observed in the faunal composition of the different levels rather reflect environmental changes than a predation bias. The environment present during the deposition of Q–R levels appears to be temperate with wooded features, which differentiates it from the rest of the Ensemble I. These differences could correspond to an interstadial period during Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 14 or to a transitional phase with the isotopic stage 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of La Roche-à-Pierrot in Saint-Césaire (Charente-Maritime, France) produced a succession of Mousterian, Châtelperronian and Aurignacian occupations, and continues to play a central role in debates concerning the Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic transition. The source of controversy surrounding the site relates to ambiguities concerning the overall archaeological sequence, the cultural association of the human remains found at the site and the limited number of robust absolute dates. Here, we present the results of a multiscalar, multiproxy geoarchaeological investigation of the site's sedimentary sequence. Our study integrates geomorphology, field lithostratigraphy, microstratigraphy, geochemistry and absolute dating methods (radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence) designed to characterize site formation processes. We propose a site formation model involving the evolution of a karstified limestone cliff from a semi-closed system to an exposed slope deposit, with sediments at the base of the cliff accumulating under periglacial conditions of MIS3, broadly between ca. 59.9 ± 3.9 ka and ca. 37.7 ka. The lowermost Mousterian occupations took place in a semi-closed, sheltered space in which sedimentary rates were low, involving mainly cryoclastic roof spall and episodic percolation of fine-grained sediment. This depositional environment generated a Mousterian archaeological palimpsest in the proximal area and translocated downslope. Subsequent Mousterian, Châtelperronian and Aurignacian remains embedded within diamictons were deposited in an open-air context, on a sloping surface at the apex of a palaeotalus, and possibly above the site, at the top of the cliff. The resulting diachronous surfaces and immature deposits were subject to solifluction and slopewash, with low sedimentary rates. Our geoarchaeological study sheds new light on previously noted spatial inconsistencies in the archaeological sequence and constitutes a rigorous framework for further archaeological research at the site, highlighting the potential of a multiscalar, multiproxy site formation research to improve stratigraphic investigation of Palaeolithic sites in similar geomorphological contexts. • Geoarchaeology helps to contextualize the Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic transition. • Site formation processes under periglacial conditions occurred during MIS3. • A karstified limestone cliff evolved from a semi-closed system to an open-air slope. • Multiscalar investigations point to mass wasting as the main depositional process. • Analyses bridged the macro/micro-stratigraphy with sediment composition and sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]