Time to Hit the Slopes: A Call for Process-Based Isotope Studies in Mountain Systems

Abstract ID: 3.13203 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

Emily Milton (1)
(1) Michigan state uni, 7N730 E Mary Ln, 60175 St Charles, US

Categories: Archaeology, Fieldwork
Keywords: isotopes, Andes, baselines, Pleistocne, Holocene

Categories: Archaeology, Fieldwork
Keywords: isotopes, Andes, baselines, Pleistocne, Holocene

Biochemical methods present novel opportunities to investigate previously inaccessible aspects of early human behavior at high elevation. Stable and radiogenic isotope analyses of archaeological human, plant, and animal remains can inform on environmental change, site seasonality, movement, and dietary sources. However, the complex terrain of some mountain systems complicates isotopic interpretations. Latitude, climate, topography, geology, and hydrology contribute to diverse, interspersed alpine ecosystems––and in turn, baseline isotopic variation. Overlooking these factors when developing expectations and models, and interpreting measurements can lead to erroneous or premature conclusions. This talk considers examples from the Central Andes of southern Peru, and what current data reveal about the scale of spatial and temporal variation of isotopes in topographically complex mountain systems. Ultimately, isotopic methods are nascent in both forager and mountain research, and more work is needed to theorize and temper biochemical approaches for these areas. We have not yet imagined the full potential of isotopes for understanding early human relationships with high terrains, but process-based studies are a critical step in the right direction.

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