'WHY THEY CAME'; THE COLONIZATION OF THE COAST OF WESTERN SWEDEN AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT AT THE END OF THE LAST GLACIATION

Summary.   In this paper we will bring into view new aspects of Late Palaeolithic and early Mesolithic research on the west coast of Sweden. In doing so, we make use of oceanography and tidal modelling, in conjunction with basic research in the fields of archaeology and palynology. The focus of research concerns the Hensbacka culture group in central Bohuslän, a group of hunter-gatherers which visited the area between c.10,300–9300 bp (10,200/10,000–8500 cal BC). Recent investigations indicate that the frequency of Hensbacka sites in the archipelago of central Bohuslän, which at that time had a total land area of c.500 sq km, might well represent the highest site density area in northern Europe during a c.1000-year period of time at the close of the Late Glacial and beginning of the early Post Glacial. In the pages that follow, we will discuss how, and why, this 'seasonal colonization' was possible.     

Pore pressure evolution and fluid flow during visco‐elastic single‐layer buckle folding

Pore pressure and fluid flow during the deformational history of geologic structures are directly influenced by tectonic deformation events. In this contribution, 2D plane strain finite element analysis is used to study the influence of different permeability distributions on the pore pressure field and associated flow regimes during the evolution of visco‐elastic single‐layer buckle folds. The buckling‐induced fluid flow regimes indicate that flow directions and, to a lesser degree, their magnitudes vary significantly throughout the deformation and as a function of the stratigraphic permeability distribution. The modelling results suggest that the volumetric strain and the permeability distribution significantly affect the resulting flow regime at different stages of fold development. For homogeneous permeability models (k > 10^?21 m²), low strain results in a mostly pervasive fluid flow regime and is in agreement with previous studies. For larger strain conditions, fluid focusing occurs in the buckling layer towards the top of the fold hinge. For low permeabilities (<10^?21 m²), local focused flow regimes inside the buckling layer emerge throughout the deformation history. For models featuring a low‐permeability layer embedded in a high‐permeability matrix or sandwiched between high‐permeability layers, focused flow regimes inside the folded layer result throughout the deformation history, but with significant differences in the flow vectors of the surrounding layers. Fluid flow vectors induced by the fold can result in different, even reversed, directions depending on the amount of strain. In summary, fluid flow regimes during single‐layer buckling can change from pervasive to focused and fluid flow vectors can be opposite at different strain levels, that is the flow vectors change significantly through time. Thus, a complete understanding of fluid flow regimes associated with single‐layer buckle folds requires consideration of the complete deformation history of the fold.     

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF TOPOGRAPHIC AMPLIFICATION USING THE ISRAEL SEISMIC NETWORK

Earthquakes and microtremor records are used for estimating the site response of hard rock sites comprising four three-component seismic stations which operate as part of the Israel Seismic Network. The response functions are determined by implementing the horizontal-to-vertical component spectral ratio of earthquake shear-waves (receiver function estimates) and microtremors (Nakamura's estimate) observed simultaneously at the site. The sites of seismic stations ATZ (Mt. Atzmon), MBH (Mt. Berech) and MRNI (Mt. Meron) exhibit amplification attributed to topography effects. At ATZ, within the 1.3–2.0 Hz range, the amplification is in the order of factor 4. At MBH amplification levels of 3.0–3.5 are observed in the frequency range 1.5–4.0 Hz. Station MRNI exhibits a relatively strong amplification effect (up to 4) in the frequency range of about 2.5 to 3.5 Hz. Slight amplification around 5 Hz is observed at ATR (the proposed site for a nuclear power plant). These effects were correlated with the thickness of the weathered layer above unweathered chalk. A comparison between the amplification factor observed during earthquakes and those inferred from microtremors shows that these are, in general, in agreement. However, details of the spectral ratios from different microtremor recordings are not exactly the same. Differences appear mainly in the frequency at which the maximum amplification occurs. These observations demonstrate the usefulness of non-reference technique in estimating the topographical effects of ground shaking. These methods may be used in the process of seismic hazard assessment for ridges and mountain tops, common sites for settlements, communication relay stations, bridges, rope-drive and power transmission towers.     

Les puits nabatéens de Mad in āli (Arabie Saoudite)

Close to the monumental graves, numerous ancient wells, some of which reach a depth of 18 m, were found in the Nabatean site of Mad     in     āli     . Their fascinating study was begun by the author, a well-known speleologist. It required a geomorphological and hydrological approach of the site which established the groundwater level and piezometric contours. Furthermore, research was conducted on the palaeoclimates and present-day pluviometry, which has concluded that the fall in the groundwater level since antiquity is mainly the result of modern exploitation. Since 1975 the high-yielding submerged pumps have provided intensive irrigation to the important agriculture of el Hijr, close to the Nabatean site. The wells, their construction, their shape and ancient mechanism are described in this paper.     

Chemical modification of pyroclastic rock by hot water: an experimental investigation of mass transport at the fluid–solid interface

Hydrothermal water–(pyroclastic) rock interactions were examined using flow-through experiments to deduce the effect of mass transport phenomena on the reaction process. A series of experiments were conducted over the temperature range 75–250°C, with a constant temperature for each experiment, and at saturated vapour pressure, to estimate the apparent rate constants as a function of temperature.
Based on the chemistry of analysed solutions, the water–rock interaction in the experiments was controlled by diffusion from the reaction surface and by the existence of a surface layer at the rock–fluid interface, which regulated the chemical reaction rate. The reaction progress depended to a high degree on flow velocity and temperature conditions, with element abundances in the fluid significantly affected by these factors. Mass transport coefficients for diffusion from the rock surface to the bulk solution have been estimated. Ca is selectively depleted under lower temperature conditions ( T  < 150°C), whereas Na is greatly depleted under higher temperature conditions ( T  > 150°C), and K reaction rates are increased when flow velocity increases. Using these conditions, specific alkali and alkali earth cations were selectively leached from mineral surfaces. The 'surface layer' comprised a 0.5–1.8 mm boundary film on the solution side (the thickness of this layer has no dependence on chemical character) and a reaction layer. The reaction layer was composed of a Si, Al-rich cation-leached layer, whose thickness was dependent on temperature, flow velocity and reaction length. The reaction layer varied in thickness from about 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁷ mm under high temperature/low fluid velocity and low temperature/high fluid velocity conditions, respectively.     

PROCESSION AND SYMBOLISM AT TARA: ANALYSIS OF TECH MIDCHÚARTA (THE 'BANQUETING HALL') IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SACRAL CAMPUS

Summary.   New analysis explores Tech Midchúarta (the 'Banqueting Hall') from the point of view of a sacral, processional approach to the summit of the Hill of Tara, the pre-eminent cult and inauguration site of prehistoric and early medieval Ireland. It is suggested that aspects of its architectural form symbolize the liminal boundary between the human world and the Otherworld of Tara, and that in so far as Tech Midchúarta is also designed to control and manipulate how the ceremonial complex is disclosed to the observer, it assembles the existing monuments into one, integrated ceremonial campus. It is argued that Tech Midchúarta is one of the later monuments on the Hill of Tara and that it may date from the early medieval period. Using the evidence of documentary sources and extant monuments, a possible processional route from Tech Midchúarta to Ráith na Ríg is described.

Immráidem fós Long na Láech
frisanabar Barc Ban mbáeth.
Tech na Fían, nirbo long lec,
co cethri doirsib deac.
Let us consider too the Hall of the Heroes
which is called the Palace of Vain Women;
the House of Warriors, it was no mean hall,
with fourteen doors.

( Gwynn 1903–35 , Metrical Dindshenchas III, 18)     

THE ANATOLIAN TRADE NETWORK AND THE IZMIR REGION DURING THE EARLY BRONZE AGE

Summary.   The monumental Early Bronze Age settlement at Liman Tepe (Levels VI–IV) (predecessor of the classical site of Klazomenai), on the southern shore of the Gulf of Izmir, is a good indication of the emergence of settlements with centralised organisation on the west coast of Anatolia. Similar developments can also be followed in Troy at the northernmost limit of the western coastline, on the islands of the north and east Aegean, and at the inland site of Küllüoba in north-west Anatolia. Over a much wider geographical area, extending from south-eastern Anatolia via central and western Anatolia, the islands of the east Aegean, the Cyclades, and mainland Greece, a distinctive set of cultural features emerged at the end of Early Bronze Age II. An explanation of the cultural changes taking place along the west Anatolian coastline at this time should thus be sought in the perspective of this wider sphere. These features can be summarised as follows:

• • 

  organised settlement structures indicating the presence of a central authority;

       
  
  

IRON AGE DIET AT GLASTONBURY LAKE VILLAGE: THE ISOTOPIC EVIDENCE FOR NEGLIGIBLE AQUATIC RESOURCE CONSUMPTION

Summary.   The British Iron Age site at Glastonbury Lake Village in Somerset is well known for the extensive and prolonged excavations, the comprehensive publications and the superb preservation of organic remains. The environmental material recovered has led to detailed discussion about the nature of the inhabitants' diet. In particular, the recovery of fish and bird bone has led to speculation about the consumption of foods from the wetlands. Previous carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of British Iron Age skeletal material has failed to detect significant levels of aquatic resources in the diet during this period, even where sites are located directly on the coast or close to river systems. There is also very little archaeological evidence to suggest that fishing was a major subsistence strategy. The isotopic analysis of skeletal material from Glastonbury Lake Village was undertaken with the hypothesis that if aquatic resources were to be found at significant levels in the diet of a British Iron Age community, this was a site which might reveal it. The results suggest that such consumption is not visible isotopically and was negligible.     

3D model of the Can Sadurní cave

Graphic and metric information about the site and its environment and about the different structures and artefacts located are indispensable for the optimal management of an archaeological excavation. A Geographic Information System (GIS) proves useful in managing and analysing information and data obtained from different sources. Two techniques of data capture, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and close range photogrammetry, are used to generate accurate and high-resolution 3D models of a cave, the silos and a combustion structure at the Can Sadurní site (Begues, NE Spain). This site is especially noteworthy on account of its complete stratigraphy of the Catalonian Holocene. The capture and processing of the photogrammetric and TLS data used to generate 3D models are discussed in detail. These models cannot be obtained by classic archaeological techniques since the record is made layer by layer, approximately one decimetre apart, with the result that the information between the layers is lost. Our findings highlight the potential of these techniques for obtaining accurate and photorealistic models that facilitate a complete analysis of the available information at an archaeological site.     

MOUSTERIAN MUSICIANSHIP? THE CASE OF THE DIVJE BABE I BONE

Summary.   The reputed Neanderthal 'flute' from the Slovenian site of Divje babe I has stimulated much interest and detailed research since the original publication of its discovery in 1997. In spite of nearly ten years' worth of analysis and discussion its status as an artefact has remained ambiguous; nevertheless it is still frequently cited as a 'flute'. This paper examines the literature and research regarding this object, and finds that much of the ambiguity regarding the object's status derives from the literature itself. It concludes that there is no need to invoke hominin agency in explaining the features of the bone.     

Modeling of hydrogen production by serpentinization in ultramafic‐hosted hydrothermal systems: application to the Rainbow field

The production of hydrogen by serpentinization in ultramafic‐hosted hydrothermal systems is simulated by coupling thermodynamic and dynamic modeling in the framework of a thermo‐hydraulic single‐pass model where a high‐temperature hydrothermal fluid moves preferentially through a main canal of high permeability. The alteration of ultramafic rocks is modeled with a first‐order kinetic formulation, wherein the serpentinization rate coefficient, K_r, takes the form: K_r = A exp(?α(T ? T₀)²). In this formulation, α determines the temperature range of the reaction and T₀ is the temperature at which the serpentinization rate reaches its maximum. This model is applied to the Rainbow hydrothermal system, which is situated on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, and characterized by a high temperature, a high mass flux, and a very high hydrogen concentration. The results show that a first‐order kinetic law gives a useful representation of the kinetics of serpentinization. The estimated value for the parameter A in the temperature‐dependent formulation of the serpentinization rate coefficient lies in the range (1–5) × 10^?11 s^?1. This effective parameter is several orders of magnitude lower than the values obtained from small grain‐size experiments, but in agreement with other published modeling studies of natural systems. Numerical simulations show that the venting site is able to produce the observed high concentration of hydrogen during the whole continuous lifetime of the Rainbow site.     

DETERMINING THE SEASON OF MISSISSIPPIAN HOUSE CONSTRUCTION FROM PLANT IMPRESSIONS IN DAUB

Abstract

It has been suggested that Mississippian farmsteads in some parts of the Southeast were abandoned in the late fall/early winter, with concomitant population concentration in large, palisaded villages. This assertion is contradicted by published data on plant impressions in daub which indicate farmstead house construction during the fall. Missing from this debate has been information on the season of house construction at mound centers. Plant impressions in daub from a structure at the Lyon’s Bluff site (22OK520) in Mississippi indicate that house construction took place during early to midspring. When coupled with other data, year-round construction at this mound and village complex is suggested. Although these results do not solve the question of the season of house construction at farmsteads, they do suggest that house construction at mound sites was not confined to any particular season of the year, as might be expected with seasonal influxes of farmstead inhabitants.     

DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIAL DIFFERENCES IN NORTH-EASTERN IBERIA DURING THE IRON AGE (c.525–200 BC)

Summary.   This paper is concerned with the organization of societies in north-eastern Iberia (present-day Catalonia) during the Iron Age, using data provided by domestic architecture and settlement organization. I offer an analysis of the social differences detected in the dwellings based on a sample of houses excavated at different types of settlement. Although many Iberian houses had simple layouts and small surface areas, some larger dwellings at the main sites are distinguished by the shape of their ground plans, their surface areas, architectural features, and central locations; these houses are believed to be the residences of the Iberian elite. Such dwellings are not found at all sites and the data suggest that there was a relationship between the category of the settlement (or its function) and the types of dwelling in it.     

THINKING ABOUT 'STYLE' IN THE 'POST-STYLISTIC ERA': RECONSTRUCTING THE STYLISTIC CONTEXT OF CHAUVET

Summary.   Over the past decade, new radiocarbon dating from several art caves has conflicted with the traditional stylistic sequence of Palaeolithic art. Using Chauvet as a paradigm, some archaeologists have suggested that stylistic approaches to Palaeolithic art should be rejected in favour of more sophisticated methods, such as AMS radiocarbon dating. Contrary to this proposal, we suggest that the high antiquity of the Chauvet paintings (dated to c .32,000 years BP) does not necessarily imply the end of all stylistic approaches to Palaeolithic art. Taking the recent discoveries (2003) at the site of Hohle Fels and the attribution of the Palaeolithic engravings of the cave of l'Aldène to the Aurignacian (2005) into account, we suggest that the Chauvet paintings can be placed within an Aurignacian stylistic context. Throughout this analysis, we propose some critical thoughts on the concept of 'style' and discuss some ways in which stylistic approaches can be used to improve our knowledge of Palaeolithic art.     

BRINGING IN THE DEAD: BURIALS AND THE LOCAL PERSPECTIVE ON KYTHERA IN THE SECOND PALACE PERIOD

Summary.   This article analyses the mortuary data of the 'Second Palace' period (c. 1700–1450 BC) on the Aegean island of Kythera. It proposes that the chamber tombs which were first introduced to the island in this period can offer potential insights into aspects of local-level social relations, especially at the central site of Kastri. This approach complements the broader cultural perspective that has usually been taken regarding these tombs, which have been viewed as indicators of Cretan cultural influence and, indeed, colonization. It is proposed that a strong horizontal in-group solidarity was being expressed by the tomb-using group at Kastri through spatial and diachronic uniformity in burial practices, and that this uniformity should be viewed at least partially as a response to local-level social agendas. The hypothesis is then explored that status identities were also being asserted in the burial sphere by at least some members of this group, through tomb location, the resources devoted to mortuary rituals and, perhaps, emphasis on lineage.     

Fluid inclusion and stable isotope constraints on the genesis of the Jian copper deposit,Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone,Iran

The Jian copper deposit, located on the eastern edge of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone, southwest of Iran, is contained within the Surian Permo‐Triassic volcano‐sedimentary complex. Retrograde metamorphism resulted in three stages of mineralization (quartz ± sulfide veins) during exhumation of the Surian metamorphic complex (Middle Jurassic time; 159–167 Ma), and after the peak of the metamorphism (Middle to Late Triassic time; approximately 187 Ma). The early stage of mineralization (stage 1) is related to a homogeneous H₂O–CO₂ (XCO₂ > 0.1) fluid characterized by moderate salinity (<10 wt.% NaCl equivalent) at high temperature and pressure (>370°C, >3 kbar). Early quartz was followed by small amounts of disseminated fine‐grained pyrite and chalcopyrite. Most of the main‐ore‐stage (stage 2) minerals, including chalcopyrite, pyrite and minor sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena, precipitated from an aqueous‐carbonic fluid (8–18 wt.% NaCl equivalent) at temperatures ranging between 241 and 388°C during fluid unmixing process (CO₂ effervescence). Fluid unmixing in the primary carbonaceous fluid at pressures of 1.5–3 kbar produced a high XCO₂ (>0.05) and a low XCO₂ (<0.01) aqueous fluid in ore‐bearing quartz veins. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions suggest mineralization by fluids derived from metamorphic dehydration (δ¹⁸O_fluid = +7.6 to +10.7‰ and δD = ?33.1 to ?38.5‰) during stage 2. The late stage (stage 3) is related to a distinct low salinity (1.5–8 wt.% NaCl equivalent) and temperatures of (120–230°C) aqueous fluid at pressures below 1.5 kbar and the deposition of post‐ore barren quartz veins. These fluids probably derived from meteoric waters, which circulated through the metamorphic pile at sufficiently high temperatures and acquire the characteristics of metamorphic fluids (δ¹⁸O_fluid = +4.7 to +5.1‰ and δD = ?52.3 to ?53.9‰) during waning stages of the postearly Cimmerian orogeny in Surian complex. The sulfide‐bearing quartz veins are interpreted as a small‐scale example of redistribution of mineral deposits by metamorphic fluids. This study suggests that mineralization at the Jian deposit is metamorphogenic in style, probably related to a deep‐seated mesothermal system.     

UPPÅKRA. A CENTRAL SITE IN SOUTH SCANDINAVIAN IRON AGE: STABILITY AND CHANGE THROUGH MORE THAN A MILLENNIUM

In the 1930s, during the construction of a house south of Lund in south‐western Scania (southern Sweden), a thick occupation layer was discovered. The layer formed as a result of settlement during the Early Iron Age as a small‐scale excavation demonstrated. The article is a presentation of recent investigations of the site in 1996–2014. The occupation layer, which covers an area of some 40 hectares, contained traces of settlements from the late Pre‐Roman Iron Age to the Viking Age. Of particular significance are the remains of a small timber structure interpreted as a ceremonial building. It was reconstructed seven times during the 1^st millennium AD and used for around seven hundred years. On each side of the ceremonial building were depositions of weapons combined with animal bones from large feasts. Besides the ceremonial building, several large halls were excavated, dating from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Age. These produced evidence of repeated and deliberate arson. Several years of metal detector surveys have resulted in 14,000 registered finds that give a good foundation for interpreting the significance of the site in local, regional and international perspectives as an important religious, political and economic centre in southern Sweden. Contributions by a large number of scholars have helped to provide a well‐based insight into different crafts and sources of artistic inspiration.     

GROUND MOTION ANALYSIS IN THE ANCHORAGE BASIN: 1-D APPROACH

Understanding the dynamic behaviour of soil in the Anchorage basin in southcentral Alaska is essential for seismic hazard assessment of this highly seismically active region. The analysis of site responses for 40 sites from weak-motion and strong-motion data with amplitudes less than 0.1 g showed a strong influence of subsurface geological conditions on the characteristics of ground motion. Particularly, the sites in the central part of the city, including the downtown area, showed prominent resonance peaks around 1 Hz with amplification values up to about 4. The numerical analysis, based on one-dimensional multi-layer soil models shows that site response characteristics, and especially aforementioned peaks, are largely related to the thick, soft layer of Quaternary deposits, particularly cohesive fades of Bootlegger Cove Formation. The computed transfer functions for soil profiles of six representative sites are in accord with the site responses in the frequency range from 1 to 5 Hz. There is no significant change in amplification values below 2 Hz corresponding to large-amplitude (up to 0.38 g) ground motions; however, above 2-3 Hz the amplification values are greatly reduced in this case.     

DEVELOPMENT‐DRIVEN ARCHAEOLOGY: BANE OR BOON FOR BIOARCHAEOLOGY?

Summary.   Through much of the world there is a move towards policies of in situ preservation of the buried archaeological heritage, typically supported by small-scale investigative excavations (often called 'evaluations'). In this review we attempt to judge the success of these policies in England and Wales, from the standpoint of bioarchaeology. We consider particularly the value of data for plant and insect macrofossils from trial excavations associated with development (a) in producing information which contributes towards research agendas, and (b) as a guide to the preservational condition of organic archaeological deposits.     

Large‐scale chemical stratification of fluids in the crust: hydraulic and chemical data from the geothermal research site Urach,Germany

The Urach 3 research borehole in SW Germany has been drilled through a sedimentary cover sequence and reached gneisses of the Variscan crystalline basement at 1604 m below surface. An additional 2840 m has been drilled through fractured basement rocks. The borehole has been used for hydraulic tests in the context of a ‘hot dry rock’ (HDR) project. The sedimentary cover ranges from the Carboniferous to the Middle Jurassic (Dogger) in age and comprises mostly clastic sediments in the Paleozoic and limestone and shale in the Mesozoic. Water composition data from 10 different depths include samples from all major lithological units. The total dissolved solids (TDS) increases from the surface to about 650 m where it reaches 4.1 g l^?1 in Triassic limestone. In lower Triassic sandstones, TDS increases very sharply to 28.5 g l^?1 and the water is saturated with pure CO₂ gas. With increasing depth, TDS does not change much in the clastic sediments of the Permian and Carboniferous. The crystalline basement is marked by a very sharp increase in TDS to 55.5 g l^?1 at about 1770 m depth. TDS increases within the basement to more than 78.5 g l^?1 at about 3500 m depth. The data suggest that there is limited vertical chemical communication over long periods of time. The CO₂ gas cap in the lower Triassic sandstones requires a gastight cover. The chemical stratification of the fluids relates to the permeability structure of the crust at the Urach site and fits well with hydraulic and thermal data from the site.