Applying lead (Pb) isotopes to explore mobility in humans and animals

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Isotope analysis
• Archaeometry

Background:

• Lead (Pb) isotopes serve as a powerful tool for tracing origins and migration patterns of humans and animals.
• Unlike strontium (Sr) isotopes tied to lithology, Pb isotopes reflect tectonic regimes, making them ideal for regions with significant geological boundaries.
• Britain's Iapetus Suture provides a distinct Pb isotope compositional boundary between Scotland and England/Wales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the first comprehensive lead (Pb) isotope map of Britain using geological datasets.
• To overcome challenges posed by modern pollution in using contemporary biological samples for provenance studies.
• To validate the use of geological Pb isotope data for biosphere studies and assess the origins of Neolithic animals.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing geological datasets to define lead (Pb) isotope variations across Britain.
• Creating reference fields in μ-T space using diagnostic compositions.
• Applying these reference fields to a test case for determining the geographic origins of Neolithic animals.

Main Results:

• The first Pb isotope map of Britain has been generated, reflecting tectonic influences.
• Geological data successfully characterized biosphere variation, overcoming modern pollution interference.
• The method was validated using well-provenanced samples, demonstrating its reliability for provenance studies.

Conclusions:

• Lead (Pb) isotope analysis, grounded in geological data, is a robust method for tracing origins in Britain.
• The developed Pb isotope map and methodology are effective for understanding past human and animal movements.
• This approach provides crucial insights into Neolithic animal husbandry and migration within Great Britain.