Description
In recent years it has become evident that there is a growing need for a Belgian biologically available strontium (BASr) isoscape, and it has also become clear that one isoscape does not fit all archaeological and forensic questions. This study therefore focuses on exploring various approaches to strontium (Sr) isotope mapping and modelling in order to create a dynamic isoscape for Belgium, with a specific emphasis on its implications for archaeological studies. Belgium serves as a compelling case study, as it allows navigation through diverse landscapes and an examination of the intricate strontium isotopic signatures embedded in and between geological, ecological, and anthropogenic samples. By employing high-resolution spatial sampling of modern various plants (grass, shrubs, and trees; N > 600), detailed strontium isoscapes are created, which capture the spatial strontium isotope heterogeneity of Belgium in different ways. Various modelling techniques, such as Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK), domain mapping based on lithologies, and voronoi tessellations, are employed, compared and merged, to obtain a dynamic BASr, which can be tailored to specific archaeological research questions. By comparing these approaches, their respective strengths and limitations are not only highlighted but also the importance of methodological choices in interpreting isotopic patterns are underscored. The insights gained from this study provide a nuanced understanding of the local and regional variations in Sr isotopes, enhancing the accuracy of archaeological interpretations, where precise reconstructions of past human movements and dietary habits are paramount. In addition, by navigating through the BASr’s of Belgium, this research provides insights into the applicability and adaptability of different techniques, offering a roadmap for researchers in various fields of archaeology, who seek to explore and interpret their data of diverse geographic and temporal settings using isoscapes.| Periode | 30 aug 2024 |
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| Evenementstitel | 30th European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) Annual Meeting: Persisting with change |
| Evenementstype | Conference |
| Locatie | Rome, Italy |
| Mate van erkenning | International |