Geoarchaeological evidence of Holocene human impact and soil erosion on a till plain in Vorpommern (Kühlenhagen, NE-Germany)

Abstract

Geoarchaeological investigations close to a glacigenic kettle-hole provide evidence of human impact on a till plain in Vorpommern in prehistorical and historical times and its geomorphic response. Basal sedimentary fillings of the investigated depression comprise peat, gyttja and aggradational peat reflecting Early to Mid-Holocene hydrological changes. The upper sequence of alternating colluvial and organic layers indicate varying human impact over time. Absolute AMS 14C-datings of buried peats and mineral horizons with partly high organic matter contents, proven by palynological and archaeological data, reflect interim phases of surface stability. In contrast, the colluvial sands reflect phases of accelerated prehistorical and historical settlement and land use. The sands can be dated relatively to the organic layers as well as linked to the adjacent archaeological finds. The increased erosion processes can thusly be placed during the Late Neolithic Period, the transition from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, the Medieval Period and finally during the Modern Era. Accumulation of the youngest colluvium leads finally to the filling of the outer portions of the kettle-hole up to the current surface. Copyright: