Fading Star: Towards understanding the effects of acidification on organic remains (wood) at Star Carr

TY - GEN

T1 - Fading Star

T2 - ICOM-CC Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Conference

AU - High, Kirsty Elizabeth

AU - Penkman, Kirsty Elizabeth Helena

AU - Milner, Nicola

AU - Panter, Ian

N1 - Conference code: 12th

PY - 2019/6/18

Y1 - 2019/6/18

N2 - This study takes an experimental approach towards understanding the rates of organic decay at the early Mesolithic site of Star Carr (UK). Recent observations at the site have indicated that accelerated deterioration of organic artefacts is occurring. This is linked to changes in the hydrology and geochemistry at the site, which have led to exceptionally high acidity (< pH 2.5 in places). Understanding and quantifying the effects of this increased acidity is critical in deciding future site management. This research has implications not only for Star Carr, but other wetland sites currently at risk from similar processes. Here, we have used a lab-based approach to investigate the effects of acidification alone. A key part of this has been the assessment of adequate analytical techniques. Using laboratory-based experiments to simulate varying levels of diagenesis, preliminary results show that by employing a range of complementary analytical techniques, mechanisms of organic diagenesis can be more completely understood and quantified

AB - This study takes an experimental approach towards understanding the rates of organic decay at the early Mesolithic site of Star Carr (UK). Recent observations at the site have indicated that accelerated deterioration of organic artefacts is occurring. This is linked to changes in the hydrology and geochemistry at the site, which have led to exceptionally high acidity (< pH 2.5 in places). Understanding and quantifying the effects of this increased acidity is critical in deciding future site management. This research has implications not only for Star Carr, but other wetland sites currently at risk from similar processes. Here, we have used a lab-based approach to investigate the effects of acidification alone. A key part of this has been the assessment of adequate analytical techniques. Using laboratory-based experiments to simulate varying levels of diagenesis, preliminary results show that by employing a range of complementary analytical techniques, mechanisms of organic diagenesis can be more completely understood and quantified

UR - http://www.lulu.com/shop/tara-grant/proceedings-of-the-12th-icom-cc-group-on-wet-organic-archaeological-materials-conference-istanbul-2013/paperback/product-24143395.html#productDetails

M3 - Conference contribution

SN - 9781365065194

SP - 28

EP - 35

BT - Proceedings of the 12th ICOM-CC Group on Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Conference, Istanbul 2013

A2 - Grant, T

A2 - Cook, C

PB - ICOM-CC

Y2 - 13 May 2013 through 17 May 2013

ER -