Multi-element soil analysis: an assessment of its potential as an aid to archaeological interpretation

Multi-element soil analysis is now an established technique in archaeology. It has been used to locate archaeological sites and define the extent of human activity beyond the structural remains, and to aid interpretation of space use in and around archaeological remains. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of these soil element signatures between sites and hence their potential usefulness in archaeological studies. Known contexts on abandoned farms across the UK were sampled to test the relationships between element concentrations and known functional area and to assess inter-site variability. The results clearly show that there are significant differences in the soil Despite significant site specific effects, which appear to reflect individual anthropogenic practices rather than geological influences, there is sufficient similarity in the pattern of element enhancement to allow reliable interpretation of former function using discriminant models. Relating these enhancements to precise soil inputs, however, is Manuscript more problematic because many important soil inputs do not contain distinct element fingerprints and because there is mixing of materials within the soil. There is also a suggestion that charcoal and bone play an important role in both the loading and post-depositional retention of Ca, Sr, P, Zn, and Cu and thus may be significant in the formation of soil element concentration patterns. Introduction Multi-element analytical techniques such as ICP-AES, ICP-MS and XRF have made quick and relatively cheap soil analysis available to archaeological investigations (for result, multi-element soil analysis has been used as a means of site prospection (Bintliff aid interpretation of former space use and activity within and around archaeological These studies have shown that patterns of element concentration often reflect the known archaeology. At Piedras Negras in Guatemala (Parnell et al. 2002) elevated levels of barium (Ba) phosphorus (P), and manganese (Mn) were found to be associated with areas of organic waste disposal whilst mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) concentrations were associated with craft production areas. Entwistle et al. (1998, 2000) identified elevated concentrations of strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) associated with field areas whilst concentrations of potassium (K), rubidium (Rb) and thorium (Th) were reliable indicators of settlement on former crofts (small farms) in the Isle of Skye. Interpretation of element concentration patterns in archaeological soils is problematic because of the complexity of site use history and the effects of post-depositional soil processes. Many human activities, including food preparation, hearths, middening and manuring, craft working and industrial processes, can …