A Revised Stratigraphic, Tephrochronological and Geochronological Constraint Model of the Depositional Environments of the Sangiran Formation as applied to Hominin Palaeoecological Dynamics

The Sangiran Dome in Central Java, Indonesia, is one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in Southeast Asia, renowned for its abundant Homo erectus fossils, which provide critical insights into early hominin dispersal and adaptation. As part of the Sangiran Formation, the site’s unique topography preserves a rich and uninterrupted sedimentary record spanning the Early to Middle Pleistocene. However, uncertainties in stratigraphic correlations, depositional environments, and geochronological frameworks have hindered a comprehensive understanding of the ecological contexts in which these hominins lived. This study aims to refine stratigraphy, clarify depositional settings, and establish a robust geochronological framework for Sangiran to better illustrate the paleoenvironmental dynamics that influenced Hominin ecology.Through detailed sedimentological analysis, facies characterization, and updated geochronological methods such as radiometric dating and paleomagnetic studies, this research provides a revised stratigraphic model for the Sangiran Formation. Key findings indicate a dynamic depositional environment, with fluvial, lacustrine, and volcaniclastic systems dominating at different chronological intervals. Paleoenvironmental reconstructions suggest that Homo erectus inhabited a diverse landscape of open grasslands, wetlands, and riparian corridors. Stable isotope data and faunal assemblages further support climactic shifts in temperature and weather accompanying such diverse ecological landscapes.These findings have significant implications for understanding hominin paleoecology in Sangiran. The reconstructed environments suggest that Homo erectus exploited varied habitats, demonstrating behavioral flexibility and resilience congruity in response to changing landscapes. The refined stratigraphy and geochronology also provide a more precise temporal framework for fossil occurrences, enabling better correlations with other Southeast Asian sites. Ultimately, by integrating stratigraphic, sedimentological, and chronological data, this research establishes a more complete foundational framework for further insights into hominin-environment interactions in Sangiran and beyond.