Defining isotopic signatures of potential procurement sources: A case study in the Mesa Verde region of the US Southwest

Combining strontium and oxygen isotope analyses has proved useful in determining animal procurement sources archaeological case studies. In this paper, we analysed 87Sr/86Sr δ18O of 55 rodents from contexts 94 plants the Mesa Verde McElmo Dome regions (US Southwest) to estimate their regional isotopic signatures. We asked what extent new data would allow us isolate one region another, thus providing a background for interpreting fauna acquisition strategies. The results clearly show trends bioavailable Sr across landscape. lower values are synonymous with areas composed igneous rock, while highest correspond, most part, San Juan Mountains, that likely provided large game hunting opportunities. Moreover, area associated sites under study is represented by uniquely narrow range suggesting prey acquired outside 10 km foraging such will be identifiable. Although plant did not further differentiate specific zones within studied area, significant correlation elevation archaeologists examine Furthermore, expands existing database signatures American Southwest and, particular, Basin its surroundings.