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Trace element geochemistry in archaeological sites.

D A Jenkins1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Soil Science, University College of North Wales, LL572UW, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales.

Environmental Geochemistry and Health
|November 9, 2013
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human activities leave detectable geochemical traces at archaeological sites, including element enrichment in tissues and metal dispersion. Charcoal analysis offers a valuable historical record of past human behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Archaeological geochemistry
  • Environmental science
  • Human impact studies

Background:

  • Humans leave distinct geochemical imprints on archaeological sites through biological processes and material use.
  • Element enrichment in human tissues and the dispersion of metals like silver, gold, copper, lead, and zinc are key indicators.
  • Charcoal's adsorptive properties allow it to concentrate metals from percolating solutions over time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the geochemical signatures left by human activities at archaeological sites.
  • To explore the potential of trace element analysis in understanding past human behavior.
  • To highlight the significance of charcoal as a geochemical indicator.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of elemental enrichment in human tissues.
  • Identification of metal anomalies from ore, slags, and artifacts.
  • Geochemical analysis of charcoal samples from archaeological contexts.

Main Results:

  • Phosphorus (P) and potentially tin (Sn) show enrichment in human remains.
  • Significant geochemical impact observed from the use of metals (Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Zn) across cultural periods.
  • Charcoal analysis from North Wales sites provided a valuable historical record of human activities.

Conclusions:

  • Trace element analysis, when interpreted within its geochemical and pedochemical context, offers valuable insights into human history at archaeological sites.
  • Charcoal is a significant medium for recording geochemical changes related to human presence.
  • Understanding these geochemical imprints is crucial for reconstructing past human activities.