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Removal of Exogenous Materials from the Outer Portion of Frozen Cores to Investigate the Ancient Biological Communities Harbored Inside
Published on: July 3, 2016
Origin and migration of the Alpine Iceman.
Wolfgang Müller1, Henry Fricke, Alex N Halliday
1Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. wolfgang.mueller@anu.edu.au
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 1, 2003
Summary
The Alpine Iceman
Area of Science:
- Paleogenetics
- European Prehistory
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- The Alpine Iceman offers insights into Neolithic-Copper Age Europe.
- Understanding prehistoric human migration and settlement patterns is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the Alpine Iceman's geographic origin and migration patterns.
- To reconstruct his habitat and range from childhood to adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Radiogenic (strontium and lead) and stable (oxygen and carbon) isotope analysis of teeth and bones.
- 40Ar/39Ar mica dating of intestinal contents.
- Comparison with local geology and hydrology.
Main Results:
- The Iceman originated from valleys within 60 km southeast of the discovery site.
- Isotopic differences in enamel, bones, and intestinal content reveal adult migration.
- Evidence suggests permanent habitation in Alpine valleys during the terminal Neolithic.
Conclusions:
- The Alpine Iceman's life history can be traced using isotopic and geochronological methods.
- This study confirms permanent settlement in central European Alpine valleys during the terminal Neolithic.
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