Oxygen isotopes in Molluscan shell: Applications in environmental archaeology

Oxygen isotope geochemistry of Molluscan shell is an essential part of environmental archaeology and over the last decade has contributed significantly to the understanding of the past inhabitants of our planet. From the analysis of collected (and disposed of) shells we can gain information on envir...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEnvironmental archaeology : the journal of human palaeoecology Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 295 - 306
Main Authors Leng, Melanie J., Lewis, Jonathan P.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Routledge 01.09.2016
Subjects
Environmental archaeology
Environmental reconstructions
Mollusc shells
Oxygen isotopes
Subsistence strategy
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Summary:Oxygen isotope geochemistry of Molluscan shell is an essential part of environmental archaeology and over the last decade has contributed significantly to the understanding of the past inhabitants of our planet. From the analysis of collected (and disposed of) shells we can gain information on environmental data from the species assemblages and also from the shell chemistry. In particular, intra-seasonal information can be gained from shells by analysing the isotope composition of the shell from successive growth increments. Here, we describe some of the recent developments in the use of oxygen isotopes in environmental archaeology. In particular, we consider preservation and sampling and describe how δ 18 O can provide us with information on seasonal climate, season of collection as well as changes in global climate.
ISSN:1461-4103
1749-6314
DOI:10.1179/1749631414Y.0000000048