Project 2440 sa: Geochronology and prehistoric archaeology of fluvial terraces (GPAFT)

Improving understanding of the techniques involved in the study of, and processes affecting fluvial environments, and the evidence for human activity in those environments

Abstract

There is abundant evidence that people of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic utilised river systems as a source of resources and as transportation routes through the Scottish landscape.  Rapid evolution of river systems in deglaciated landscapes occurred during significant changes in the local paleoenvironment during the Late Glacial/Early Holocene period. Fluvial terraces are complex, multiphase features with elements created at different times and by different processes in different environments. As such, understanding the context of archaeological finds and features within river terraces requires careful interpretation of ages derived from the available dating techniques, such as luminescence and cosmogenic exposure dating, and a contextual understanding of artefact assemblages, and detailed site stratigraphy and landscape analysis, thus this research requires a truly interdisciplinary approach.

This workshop will bring together early career researchers and senior scientists in Quaternary geochronology and geomorphology with archaeologists working on Palaeolithic and Mesolithic occupation of river terraces to improve the understanding of each other’s disciplines, and the role they can play in contributing to integrated studies of early human activity in these environments. This meeting will also foster opportunities for collaboration and build networks for early career and developing country researchers looking to expand their research programs.

The proposed workshop will focus on Deeside in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where numerous successful archaeology projects have used a holistic approach to understanding the context of active Mesolithic and Palaeolithic communities living along the River Dee.

Objectives:

• foster networks of researchers in complementary disciplines, and across geographic regions;
• an improved understanding of techniques and approaches used in the study fluvial systems across disciplines;
• assessment of collaborative works and potential funding sources;
• engagement between academics and local community groups with overlapping interests.

Project Leaders:

• Sam Kelley, Ireland
• Simon Allerton, UK
• Martin Moucheron, Ireland