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TRANSIT, an experimental archaeological program in periglacial environment: Problem, methodology, first results
Author(s) -
Texier J. P.,
Bertran P.,
Coutard J. P.,
Francou B.,
Gabert P.,
Guadelli J. L.,
Ozouf J. C.,
Plisson H.,
Raynal J. P.,
Vivent D.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
geoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.696
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1520-6548
pISSN - 0883-6353
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1520-6548(199806)13:5<433::aid-gea1>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - solifluction , geology , context (archaeology) , artifact (error) , massif , sedimentary rock , archaeology , pollen , physical geography , geomorphology , paleontology , geography , glacial period , ecology , computer science , computer vision , biology
The aim of the experimental archaeological program TRANSIT is to improve the scientific study of Paleolithic sites. This program is based on studies and experiments carried out at high altitudes in the French Alps. One of its goals is to assess the effects of periglacial processes on spatial distributions within archaeological assemblages and on artifacts and bones. Research on sedimentary environments elucidates stratogenesis in periglacial contexts. In particular, sedimentary models that are useful for interpreting fossil deposits were identified. The first results obtained from experimental artifact test plots emphasize the importance and speed of changes that occur in such a climatic and morphodynamic context. Mean lateral displacements from 1.66 to 4.75 cm yr −1 were measured. Moreover, analysis of osseous and dental pieces showed that they experienced important damage. Works on pollen assemblages have shown that most of the pollen deposited on the ground surface is quickly removed and that, owing to the very uneven preservation of pollen taxa, an important distortion of the initial spectrum occurs. A model of spatial arrangement of artifacts linked to the action of solifluction processes is also proposed. Finally, application of these results to some Paleolithic sites in the Massif Central and southwest France are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.