A bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr isoscape of Mongolia: Implications for the reconstruction of past human and animal mobility

Mael Le Corre ^1,2, Eric Douville ³, Arnaud Dapoigny ³

⁰BioArchéologie, Interactions Sociétés Environnements (BioArch, UMR 7209), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris, France.

Plos One +

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December 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study created a strontium isotope map for Mongolia, revealing regional variations. The findings suggest ancient human and animal populations primarily stayed in their local areas, improving our understanding of past mobility.

Area Of Science

Archaeological Science
Isotope Geochemistry
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction

Background

Understanding ancient human and animal mobility is crucial for reconstructing past societies.
Strontium isotope analysis (87Sr/86Sr) is a key method for investigating provenance and movement.
A lack of a robust 87Sr/86Sr baseline has limited large-scale interpretations in Mongolia.

Purpose Of The Study

To generate a regionally-calibrated bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr isoscape for Mongolia.
To establish a robust baseline for interpreting past mobility in Mongolian archaeological contexts.
To explore the potential applications of the isoscape in ecological monitoring and product authentication.

Main Methods

Analysis of modern plants from 534 sites across Mongolia.
Application of two machine learning approaches: random forest regression (RF) and ensemble machine learning (EML).
Comparison of generated isoscape predictions with archaeological 87Sr/86Sr data from 25 sites.

Main Results

Developed a bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr isoscape for Mongolia using machine learning.
Identified three distinct strontium isotope regions reflecting Mongolia's complex geology.
Archaeological samples largely indicate local origins for humans, animals, and plants across different periods.

Conclusions

The new isoscape provides a crucial baseline for Mongolian archaeological research on past mobility.
The findings suggest limited long-distance movement for most ancient populations studied.
The isoscape has potential applications beyond archaeology, including ecological monitoring and regional product authentication.

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