Permanence et Changements dans les Sociétés Alpines, 2003
La haute montagne, notion définie en fonction de facteurs naturels fluctuants à la fois dans Fespa... more La haute montagne, notion définie en fonction de facteurs naturels fluctuants à la fois dans Fespace et dans le temps, est un ensemble de territoires dont Phis-toire est peu étudiée. Dans cette perspective, Fapproche archéologique est fondamentale. Elle consiste en l'étude des traces laissées par PHomme sous forme de structures en pierre, dhménagemcnts, de vestiges mobiliers. Mais comme ces traces sont souvent peu spectaculaires et difficiles à repérer, Papport des données sur la végétation passée et ses évolutions est également ...
HAL - hal.archives-ouvertes.fr, CCSd - Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Direct. Accueil;... more HAL - hal.archives-ouvertes.fr, CCSd - Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Direct. Accueil; Dépôt: S'authentifier; S'inscrire. Consultation: Par domaine; Les 30 derniers dépôts; Par année de publication, rédaction, dépôt; Par type de publication; Par collection; Les portails de l'archive ouverte HAL; Par établissement (extraction automatique); ArXiv; Les Thèses (TEL). Recherche: Recherche simple; Recherche avancée; Accès par identifiant; Les Thèses ...
The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Sche... more The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Scheldt River in NW Belgium, is a relatively flat and low-lying area situated at the southern limit of the lowland cover sand region of the NW European plain. During the Late Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial, numerous, generally small but elongated sand dunes, shallow lakes and wet depressions were formed. During the last three decades intense archaeological prospection has taken place in this region, which is now one of the most intensively surveyed areas of NW Europe. This has led to the production of archaeological distribution maps, which show a distinct pattern regarding the temporal and spatial distribution of these archaeological sites. Some areas with a presumed high ecological value, such as the large but shallow Late Glacial fossil lake of the Moevaart Depressie (ca. 15km long and 2,5km wide), seem to have been attractive settlement locations in Prehistory, given the high amount of close-lying sites along its borders and on the cover sand ridge on its northern border. Habitation however seems to have ‘moved' in time, and is completely absent in Protohistory and even the Roman Period. During the Late Glacial and Holocene the landscape in the Belgian area of Sandy Flanders was subjected to major changes due to climatic fluctuations, and besides human factors, environmental conditions such as topography, soil, vegetation, but also hydrology and climate, may have influenced settlement conditions throughout time and played a role in this change in site location and the occupational history of the region. In this light an inter-disciplinary project 'Prehistoric settlement and land-use systems in Sandy Flanders (NW Belgium): a diachronic and geoarchaeological approach' (GOA project, UGent), involving archaeology, geography, palaeoecology, sedimentology and geophysical survey, has been undertaken. The study of both "empty" and densely inhabited areas is ongoing and aims at analyzing the settlement dynamics of the area of Sandy Flanders in terms of environmental potentials (theory of "wandering farmsteads") and the human impact ("enculturation") on the landscape. Likewise, we seek to investigate the reasons why other areas, which were inhabited in previous periods (e.g. the Moervaart area) were apparently not attractive anymore from the Metal Ages onwards. Indeed, to determine the suitability of a certain land type for a certain activity, it is necessary to understand the different types of land use (hunting-gathering, farming, …), the soil characteristics and the environment at different time intervals. During a large field campaign, a 70m long trench was dug through the deepest part of the former Moervaart lake, revealing alternating layers of (organic) lake marl and peat(y clay) indicating warmer/colder and drier/wetter phases. In addition, 15 mechanical corings have been made at four different locations within the depression, in large palaeochannels that cross the palaeolake, and on its borders. Both trench and corings were extensively sampled for palaeoenvironmental and sedimentological analyses and for OSL and 14C-dating. We present here the first results of the palaeoecological (mainly palynology, but also plant macroremains, charcoal, diatoms, ostracods, mollusks, beetles and Chironomideae) and sedimentological (water content, LOI, magnetic susceptibility, gamma-density) approaches, which provide new insights in the palaeolandscape evolution of this area during the Late Glacial and the early Holocene, in order to evaluate in detail how and to which degree this evolution determined the pre- and protohistoric occupation and exploitation within Sandy Flanders. Furthermore, significant emphasis is placed on the impact of prehistoric populations on both regional and local landscapes.
Field methods to map and reconstruct the morphology of buried river systems are highly dependent ... more Field methods to map and reconstruct the morphology of buried river systems are highly dependent on spatial interpolation. Conventional methods, such as standard borehole survey, allow a detailed vertical reconstruction of the shallow subsurface but leave lateral connections between sample locations open to interpretation. Geophysical survey techniques have recently introduced more detail. Mobile electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey combines high density sampling with full lateral coverage but fails to produce detailed information about vertical facies changes. Recently, multicoil EMI survey added vertical discrimination potential to this lateral continuity. In this study, we present an integrated approach for reconstructing the morphology of a known palaeochannel segment by modelling the depth to the sandy substrate. In addition, a calibration method based on a limited number of auger data is proposed. In a first phase, the modelling procedure was evaluated along two transects on a test site, showing palaeochannel depths ranging from 1 to > 4 m beneath the surface. In a second phase, the morphology of the entire site was reconstructed. These three resulting depth models were then compared with auger observations and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. The high correlation coefficients (> 0.9) between observed and modelled depths showed that even in complex pedological environments, palaeochannel morphology could be predicted precisely using multicoil EMI data. Therefore, we concluded that a multicoil EMI survey proves to be an efficient and reliable solution for mapping and reconstructing the morphology of the shallow subsurface.
The present article discusses the integration of urban geoarchaeological and archaeobotanical dat... more The present article discusses the integration of urban geoarchaeological and archaeobotanical data of a series of Dark Earth deposits situated in the alluvial valley of the Senne River in Brussels, Belgium. Due to their homogeneous character, their interpretation is a huge challenge for archaeologists. Through a case- by-case approach, a detailed picture of the sequence of different activities and (semi-) natural events, leading to the build up of Dark Earth at each individual site has been obtained. Among the activities, agricultural practices and waste management, which are rarely archaeologically recorded in urban contexts, have been identified. Despite being situated in a valley context, none of the sites presented an excellent preservation of the organic plant remains. However, through the integration of geo- archaeological and botanical data, the taphonomical history of the botanical remains could better be understood, allowing us to document the evolution of the environment surrounding the sites. Addi- tionally, it has been demonstrated that the botanical study of Dark Earth units can also provide valuable information on vegetal consumption, in particular fruits. On a broader scale, this integrated geo- archaeologial and archaeobotanical study sheds some light on the process of urbanisation of the Senne alluvial valley between the 11the12th and the 16th century AD.
Site de première importance pour le Paléolithi-que belge, la petite cavité a livré plusieurs occu... more Site de première importance pour le Paléolithi-que belge, la petite cavité a livré plusieurs occupations archéologiques ainsi qu'une dent humaine (Draily, 2004). En dehors de l'archéologie et de l'anthropo-logie, le site a été étudié sous divers aspects liés au paléoenvironnement et à la chronologie. Lors des fouilles de la SoWaP, des analyses fauniques, palynologiques et sédimentologiques ont été réalisées et plusieurs dates radiocarbone ont été obtenues (Dewez et al., 1993; Chen et al., 1988). Une synthèse des informations paléoenvironnementales et une in-terprétation chronostratigraphique des données des fouilles de la SoWaP a été proposée récemment (Pirson & Toussaint, 2002 : 94); les informations relatives aux recherches entreprises entre 1996 et 2004 (faune, palynologie, sédimentologie, téphrostratigraphie, data-tions, etc.) seront quant à elles rassemblées dans une monographie en préparation. Malgré son importance, la stratigraphie com-plexe de ce site n'a fai...
The realization of the logistics for the « Trilogiport » project of the former commune of Hermall... more The realization of the logistics for the « Trilogiport » project of the former commune of Hermalle-sous-Argenteau (Oupeye), on the alluvial plain of the Meuse, led the Service of Archaeology of Liège (Service public de Wallonie, Direction de Liège I) to undertake an archaeological evaluation over an area of around 60 ha, including preventive excavations and a large-scale geological study. This operation was carried out in partnership with the Direction of Archaeology of the SPW and the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium.
Exploration of the areas of focus for this project offers a rare opportunity to develop understanding of the nature and modes of occupation of human populations in fluvial context during the Lateglacial and the Holocene. The intervention has demonstrated the richness and variety of archaeological contexts preserved in this section of the valley bottom, shown in particular by the discovery of Mesolithic and Neolithic sites. In addition, it was possible to integrate the archaeological material within its chronostratigraphic, geomorphological and paleoenvironmental context, documented over very large areas, where the sedimentary deposits were only very rarely disturbed by modern human activities. This approach, complex in itself, was made even more difficult here because it represents one of the first stages for the geographic sector of the Belgian Lower Meuse Valley.
Le site de Loschbour est internationalement connu pour ses deux sépultures mésolithiques, une inh... more Le site de Loschbour est internationalement connu pour ses deux sépultures mésolithiques, une inhumation et une crémation, découvertes en 1935. Suite à des sondages réalisés en 2003 afin d'évaluer une possible extension du gisement mésolithique, des études paléoenvironnementales ont été menées sur les enregistrements sédimentaires mis au jour. Un horizon repère sableux gris, riche en charbons de bois et daté du Préboréal, a été reconnu sur l'ensemble de la zone étudiée de part et d'autre du ruisseau Loschbour. Les sondages de 1981 s'étaient arrêtés en-dessous de ce niveau. Les fouilleurs pensaient avoir atteint le Bedrock. La séquence sédimentaire se développant au-dessus de cet horizon avait fait l'objet à l'époque d'analyses palynologique. Elles avaient mis en évidence la transition entre le Préboréal et le Boréal. Les travaux en 2003 ont permis d'observer d'autres unités sédimentaires sous cet horizon repère qui ont fait l'objet d'analyses palynologiques et anthracologiques couplées à des datations 14 C AMS. Malgré la faiblesse du stock pollinique des échantillons, il a été néanmoins possible de livrer des informations paléoenvironnementales à par-tir des données qualitatives. Dans le cadre d'un programme d'étude des tufs au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg lancé en 2013 en collaboration avec J. DABKOWSKI, H.-G. NATON et S. GRANAI, des analyses géochimiques ont été réalisées en 2015 sur les formations carbonatées du même profil stratigraphique que celui des analyses palynologiques de 1981. Les résultats géochimiques montrent une bonne concordance avec celles-ci. La séquence stratigraphique étudiée de Loschbour recouvrerait la fin du Tardiglaciaire et le début de l'Holocène (Préboréal et Boréal). La séquence devait s'étendre jusqu'à l'Atlantique ancien mais ces niveaux ont été détruits lors de la fouille de 1935.
The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Sche... more The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Scheldt River in NW Belgium, is a relatively flat and low-lying area situated at the southern limit of the lowland cover sand region of the NW European plain. During the Late Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial, numerous, generally small but elongated sand dunes, shallow lakes and wet depressions were formed. During the last three decades intense archaeological prospection has taken place in this region, which is now one of the most intensively surveyed areas of NW Europe. This has led to the production of archaeological distribution maps, which show a distinct pattern regarding the temporal and spatial distribution of these archaeological sites. Some areas with a presumed high ecological value, such as the large but shallow Late Glacial fossil lake of the Moevaart Depressie (ca. 15km long and 2,5km wide), seem to have been attractive settlement locations in Prehistory, given the high amount o...
The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Sche... more The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Scheldt River in NW Belgium, is a relatively flat and low-lying area situated at the southern limit of the lowland cover sand region of the NW European plain. During the Late Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial, numerous, generally small but elongated sand dunes,
Permanence et Changements dans les Sociétés Alpines, 2003
La haute montagne, notion définie en fonction de facteurs naturels fluctuants à la fois dans Fespa... more La haute montagne, notion définie en fonction de facteurs naturels fluctuants à la fois dans Fespace et dans le temps, est un ensemble de territoires dont Phis-toire est peu étudiée. Dans cette perspective, Fapproche archéologique est fondamentale. Elle consiste en l'étude des traces laissées par PHomme sous forme de structures en pierre, dhménagemcnts, de vestiges mobiliers. Mais comme ces traces sont souvent peu spectaculaires et difficiles à repérer, Papport des données sur la végétation passée et ses évolutions est également ...
HAL - hal.archives-ouvertes.fr, CCSd - Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Direct. Accueil;... more HAL - hal.archives-ouvertes.fr, CCSd - Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Direct. Accueil; Dépôt: S'authentifier; S'inscrire. Consultation: Par domaine; Les 30 derniers dépôts; Par année de publication, rédaction, dépôt; Par type de publication; Par collection; Les portails de l'archive ouverte HAL; Par établissement (extraction automatique); ArXiv; Les Thèses (TEL). Recherche: Recherche simple; Recherche avancée; Accès par identifiant; Les Thèses ...
The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Sche... more The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Scheldt River in NW Belgium, is a relatively flat and low-lying area situated at the southern limit of the lowland cover sand region of the NW European plain. During the Late Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial, numerous, generally small but elongated sand dunes, shallow lakes and wet depressions were formed. During the last three decades intense archaeological prospection has taken place in this region, which is now one of the most intensively surveyed areas of NW Europe. This has led to the production of archaeological distribution maps, which show a distinct pattern regarding the temporal and spatial distribution of these archaeological sites. Some areas with a presumed high ecological value, such as the large but shallow Late Glacial fossil lake of the Moevaart Depressie (ca. 15km long and 2,5km wide), seem to have been attractive settlement locations in Prehistory, given the high amount of close-lying sites along its borders and on the cover sand ridge on its northern border. Habitation however seems to have ‘moved' in time, and is completely absent in Protohistory and even the Roman Period. During the Late Glacial and Holocene the landscape in the Belgian area of Sandy Flanders was subjected to major changes due to climatic fluctuations, and besides human factors, environmental conditions such as topography, soil, vegetation, but also hydrology and climate, may have influenced settlement conditions throughout time and played a role in this change in site location and the occupational history of the region. In this light an inter-disciplinary project 'Prehistoric settlement and land-use systems in Sandy Flanders (NW Belgium): a diachronic and geoarchaeological approach' (GOA project, UGent), involving archaeology, geography, palaeoecology, sedimentology and geophysical survey, has been undertaken. The study of both "empty" and densely inhabited areas is ongoing and aims at analyzing the settlement dynamics of the area of Sandy Flanders in terms of environmental potentials (theory of "wandering farmsteads") and the human impact ("enculturation") on the landscape. Likewise, we seek to investigate the reasons why other areas, which were inhabited in previous periods (e.g. the Moervaart area) were apparently not attractive anymore from the Metal Ages onwards. Indeed, to determine the suitability of a certain land type for a certain activity, it is necessary to understand the different types of land use (hunting-gathering, farming, …), the soil characteristics and the environment at different time intervals. During a large field campaign, a 70m long trench was dug through the deepest part of the former Moervaart lake, revealing alternating layers of (organic) lake marl and peat(y clay) indicating warmer/colder and drier/wetter phases. In addition, 15 mechanical corings have been made at four different locations within the depression, in large palaeochannels that cross the palaeolake, and on its borders. Both trench and corings were extensively sampled for palaeoenvironmental and sedimentological analyses and for OSL and 14C-dating. We present here the first results of the palaeoecological (mainly palynology, but also plant macroremains, charcoal, diatoms, ostracods, mollusks, beetles and Chironomideae) and sedimentological (water content, LOI, magnetic susceptibility, gamma-density) approaches, which provide new insights in the palaeolandscape evolution of this area during the Late Glacial and the early Holocene, in order to evaluate in detail how and to which degree this evolution determined the pre- and protohistoric occupation and exploitation within Sandy Flanders. Furthermore, significant emphasis is placed on the impact of prehistoric populations on both regional and local landscapes.
Field methods to map and reconstruct the morphology of buried river systems are highly dependent ... more Field methods to map and reconstruct the morphology of buried river systems are highly dependent on spatial interpolation. Conventional methods, such as standard borehole survey, allow a detailed vertical reconstruction of the shallow subsurface but leave lateral connections between sample locations open to interpretation. Geophysical survey techniques have recently introduced more detail. Mobile electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey combines high density sampling with full lateral coverage but fails to produce detailed information about vertical facies changes. Recently, multicoil EMI survey added vertical discrimination potential to this lateral continuity. In this study, we present an integrated approach for reconstructing the morphology of a known palaeochannel segment by modelling the depth to the sandy substrate. In addition, a calibration method based on a limited number of auger data is proposed. In a first phase, the modelling procedure was evaluated along two transects on a test site, showing palaeochannel depths ranging from 1 to > 4 m beneath the surface. In a second phase, the morphology of the entire site was reconstructed. These three resulting depth models were then compared with auger observations and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. The high correlation coefficients (> 0.9) between observed and modelled depths showed that even in complex pedological environments, palaeochannel morphology could be predicted precisely using multicoil EMI data. Therefore, we concluded that a multicoil EMI survey proves to be an efficient and reliable solution for mapping and reconstructing the morphology of the shallow subsurface.
The present article discusses the integration of urban geoarchaeological and archaeobotanical dat... more The present article discusses the integration of urban geoarchaeological and archaeobotanical data of a series of Dark Earth deposits situated in the alluvial valley of the Senne River in Brussels, Belgium. Due to their homogeneous character, their interpretation is a huge challenge for archaeologists. Through a case- by-case approach, a detailed picture of the sequence of different activities and (semi-) natural events, leading to the build up of Dark Earth at each individual site has been obtained. Among the activities, agricultural practices and waste management, which are rarely archaeologically recorded in urban contexts, have been identified. Despite being situated in a valley context, none of the sites presented an excellent preservation of the organic plant remains. However, through the integration of geo- archaeological and botanical data, the taphonomical history of the botanical remains could better be understood, allowing us to document the evolution of the environment surrounding the sites. Addi- tionally, it has been demonstrated that the botanical study of Dark Earth units can also provide valuable information on vegetal consumption, in particular fruits. On a broader scale, this integrated geo- archaeologial and archaeobotanical study sheds some light on the process of urbanisation of the Senne alluvial valley between the 11the12th and the 16th century AD.
Site de première importance pour le Paléolithi-que belge, la petite cavité a livré plusieurs occu... more Site de première importance pour le Paléolithi-que belge, la petite cavité a livré plusieurs occupations archéologiques ainsi qu'une dent humaine (Draily, 2004). En dehors de l'archéologie et de l'anthropo-logie, le site a été étudié sous divers aspects liés au paléoenvironnement et à la chronologie. Lors des fouilles de la SoWaP, des analyses fauniques, palynologiques et sédimentologiques ont été réalisées et plusieurs dates radiocarbone ont été obtenues (Dewez et al., 1993; Chen et al., 1988). Une synthèse des informations paléoenvironnementales et une in-terprétation chronostratigraphique des données des fouilles de la SoWaP a été proposée récemment (Pirson & Toussaint, 2002 : 94); les informations relatives aux recherches entreprises entre 1996 et 2004 (faune, palynologie, sédimentologie, téphrostratigraphie, data-tions, etc.) seront quant à elles rassemblées dans une monographie en préparation. Malgré son importance, la stratigraphie com-plexe de ce site n'a fai...
The realization of the logistics for the « Trilogiport » project of the former commune of Hermall... more The realization of the logistics for the « Trilogiport » project of the former commune of Hermalle-sous-Argenteau (Oupeye), on the alluvial plain of the Meuse, led the Service of Archaeology of Liège (Service public de Wallonie, Direction de Liège I) to undertake an archaeological evaluation over an area of around 60 ha, including preventive excavations and a large-scale geological study. This operation was carried out in partnership with the Direction of Archaeology of the SPW and the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium.
Exploration of the areas of focus for this project offers a rare opportunity to develop understanding of the nature and modes of occupation of human populations in fluvial context during the Lateglacial and the Holocene. The intervention has demonstrated the richness and variety of archaeological contexts preserved in this section of the valley bottom, shown in particular by the discovery of Mesolithic and Neolithic sites. In addition, it was possible to integrate the archaeological material within its chronostratigraphic, geomorphological and paleoenvironmental context, documented over very large areas, where the sedimentary deposits were only very rarely disturbed by modern human activities. This approach, complex in itself, was made even more difficult here because it represents one of the first stages for the geographic sector of the Belgian Lower Meuse Valley.
Le site de Loschbour est internationalement connu pour ses deux sépultures mésolithiques, une inh... more Le site de Loschbour est internationalement connu pour ses deux sépultures mésolithiques, une inhumation et une crémation, découvertes en 1935. Suite à des sondages réalisés en 2003 afin d'évaluer une possible extension du gisement mésolithique, des études paléoenvironnementales ont été menées sur les enregistrements sédimentaires mis au jour. Un horizon repère sableux gris, riche en charbons de bois et daté du Préboréal, a été reconnu sur l'ensemble de la zone étudiée de part et d'autre du ruisseau Loschbour. Les sondages de 1981 s'étaient arrêtés en-dessous de ce niveau. Les fouilleurs pensaient avoir atteint le Bedrock. La séquence sédimentaire se développant au-dessus de cet horizon avait fait l'objet à l'époque d'analyses palynologique. Elles avaient mis en évidence la transition entre le Préboréal et le Boréal. Les travaux en 2003 ont permis d'observer d'autres unités sédimentaires sous cet horizon repère qui ont fait l'objet d'analyses palynologiques et anthracologiques couplées à des datations 14 C AMS. Malgré la faiblesse du stock pollinique des échantillons, il a été néanmoins possible de livrer des informations paléoenvironnementales à par-tir des données qualitatives. Dans le cadre d'un programme d'étude des tufs au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg lancé en 2013 en collaboration avec J. DABKOWSKI, H.-G. NATON et S. GRANAI, des analyses géochimiques ont été réalisées en 2015 sur les formations carbonatées du même profil stratigraphique que celui des analyses palynologiques de 1981. Les résultats géochimiques montrent une bonne concordance avec celles-ci. La séquence stratigraphique étudiée de Loschbour recouvrerait la fin du Tardiglaciaire et le début de l'Holocène (Préboréal et Boréal). La séquence devait s'étendre jusqu'à l'Atlantique ancien mais ces niveaux ont été détruits lors de la fouille de 1935.
The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Sche... more The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Scheldt River in NW Belgium, is a relatively flat and low-lying area situated at the southern limit of the lowland cover sand region of the NW European plain. During the Late Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial, numerous, generally small but elongated sand dunes, shallow lakes and wet depressions were formed. During the last three decades intense archaeological prospection has taken place in this region, which is now one of the most intensively surveyed areas of NW Europe. This has led to the production of archaeological distribution maps, which show a distinct pattern regarding the temporal and spatial distribution of these archaeological sites. Some areas with a presumed high ecological value, such as the large but shallow Late Glacial fossil lake of the Moevaart Depressie (ca. 15km long and 2,5km wide), seem to have been attractive settlement locations in Prehistory, given the high amount o...
The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Sche... more The area of Sandy Flanders, situated between the North Sea coast and the lower course of the Scheldt River in NW Belgium, is a relatively flat and low-lying area situated at the southern limit of the lowland cover sand region of the NW European plain. During the Late Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial, numerous, generally small but elongated sand dunes,
Sur un chantier de fouille, l’archéologue est très fréquemment
confronté à des vestiges organique... more Sur un chantier de fouille, l’archéologue est très fréquemment confronté à des vestiges organiques, ou biorestes. Qu’ils soient visibles ou invisibles, rares ou abondants, ils sont souvent source de questionnements : que prélever? Où, comment et en quelle quantité? Quelles sont les conditions de stockage idéales? Quellle est la marche à suivre pour tamiser les sédiments? C’est à ces interrogations que vise à répondre le présent ouvrage. Il décrit de manière simple et précise les prélèvements à effec tuer pour obtenir, dès la phase de terrain, un assemblage de biorestes cohérent et représentatif. Il propose un aperçu de différents types et méthodes de prélèvements, qui possèdent chacun leurs avantages et inconvénients. De manière concrète, leur mise en oeuvre dans les contextes archéologiques les plus courants est passée en revue. Ce manuel guidera les choix de l’archéologue en fonction de la réalité de terrain et des problématiques de recherche envisagées. Les questions du stockage et du traitement des échantillons sont égaments abordées.
Field methods to map and reconstruct the morphology of buried river systems are highly dependent ... more Field methods to map and reconstruct the morphology of buried river systems are highly dependent on spatial interpolation. Conventional methods, such as standard borehole survey, allow a detailed vertical reconstruction of the shallow subsurface but leave lateral connections between sample locations open to interpretation. Geophysical survey techniques have recently introduced more detail. Mobile electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey combines high density sampling with full lateral coverage but fails to produce detailed information about vertical facies changes. Recently, multicoil EMI survey added vertical discrimination potential to this lateral continuity. In this study, we present an integrated approach for reconstructing the morphology of a known palaeochannel segment by modelling the depth to the sandy substrate. In addition, a calibration method based on a limited number of auger data is proposed. In a first phase, the modelling procedure was evaluated along two transects on a test site, showing palaeochannel depths ranging from 1 to > 4 m beneath the surface. In a second phase, the morphology of the entire site was reconstructed. These three resulting depth models were then compared with auger observations and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. The high correlation coefficients (> 0.9) between observed and modelled depths showed that even in complex pedological environments, palaeochannel morphology could be predicted precisely using multicoil EMI data. Therefore, we concluded that a multicoil EMI survey proves to be an efficient and reliable solution for mapping and reconstructing the morphology of the shallow subsurface.► Mobile multicoil EMI survey for mapping buried sediments. ► Palaeochannel depth modelling with electrical conductivity data. ► Calibration allows precise depth modelling in complex pedological environments. ► An efficient approach to accurately map buried land surfaces in three dimensions.
Uploads
Papers
Exploration of the areas of focus for this project offers a rare opportunity to develop understanding of the nature and modes of occupation of human populations in fluvial context during the Lateglacial and the Holocene. The intervention has demonstrated the richness and variety of archaeological contexts preserved in this section of the valley bottom, shown in particular by the discovery of Mesolithic and Neolithic sites. In addition, it was possible to integrate the archaeological material within its chronostratigraphic, geomorphological and paleoenvironmental context, documented over very large areas, where the sedimentary deposits were only very rarely disturbed by modern human activities. This approach, complex in itself, was made even more difficult here because it represents one of the first stages for the geographic sector of the Belgian Lower Meuse Valley.
Exploration of the areas of focus for this project offers a rare opportunity to develop understanding of the nature and modes of occupation of human populations in fluvial context during the Lateglacial and the Holocene. The intervention has demonstrated the richness and variety of archaeological contexts preserved in this section of the valley bottom, shown in particular by the discovery of Mesolithic and Neolithic sites. In addition, it was possible to integrate the archaeological material within its chronostratigraphic, geomorphological and paleoenvironmental context, documented over very large areas, where the sedimentary deposits were only very rarely disturbed by modern human activities. This approach, complex in itself, was made even more difficult here because it represents one of the first stages for the geographic sector of the Belgian Lower Meuse Valley.
confronté à des vestiges organiques, ou biorestes. Qu’ils soient
visibles ou invisibles, rares ou abondants, ils sont souvent
source de questionnements : que prélever? Où, comment et
en quelle quantité? Quelles sont les conditions de stockage
idéales? Quellle est la marche à suivre pour tamiser les sédiments?
C’est à ces interrogations que vise à répondre le présent
ouvrage. Il décrit de manière simple et précise les prélèvements
à effec tuer pour obtenir, dès la phase de terrain, un assemblage
de biorestes cohérent et représentatif. Il propose un aperçu de
différents types et méthodes de prélèvements, qui possèdent
chacun leurs avantages et inconvénients. De manière concrète,
leur mise en oeuvre dans les contextes archéologiques les plus
courants est passée en revue. Ce manuel guidera les choix de
l’archéologue en fonction de la réalité de terrain et des problématiques
de recherche envisagées. Les questions du stockage
et du traitement des échantillons sont égaments abordées.