Earthen mound formation in the Uruguayan lowlands (South America): micromorphological analyses of the Pago Lindo archaeological complex

► Use of surface soil horizons as prime material for mound construction. ► Intense bioturbation within the mound sedimentary matrix obscures limits between major mound depositional episodes. ► Regular cleaning of the occupation surfaces. ► Evidences of anthropic trampling confirm the presence of a covering structure over a domestic platform. ► Plant residue accumulation detected in the highest platform within the mound complex.