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The Micropalaeontological Society, Special Publications
The Archaeological and Forensic Applications of Microfossils: A Deeper Understanding of Human History
Author(s)
I. P. Wilkinson
I. P. Wilkinson
British Geological Survey, UK
Search for other works by this author on:
Geological Society of London
Volume
7
Copyright:
Geological Society of London
© Geological Society of London 2017 ISBN 9781786203069$30.00
ISBN electronic:
9781786203069
ISBN print:
9781786203052
Publication date:
January 01, 2017
Microfossils are an abundant component of the sedimentary rock record. Their analysis can reveal not only the environments in which the rocks were deposited, but also their age. When combined, the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of microfossils offer enormous utility for archaeological and forensic investigations. Their presence can act as a geological ‘fingerprint’ and the tiniest fragment of material, such as a broken Iron Age potsherd, can contain a microfossil signature that reveals the geographical source of the materials under investigation. This book explores how microfossils are employed as tools to interpret human society and habitation throughout history. Examples include microfossil evidence associated with Palaeolithic human occupation at Boxgrove in Sussex, alongside investigations into human-induced landscape change during the Holocene. Further examples include the use of microfossils to provenance the source materials of Iron Age ceramics, Roman mosaics and Minoan pottery, in addition to their application to help solve modern murder cases, highlighting the diverse applications of microfossils to improving our understanding of human history.
The Archaeological and Forensic Applications of Microfossils: A Deeper Understanding of Human History
Author(s): M. Williams, T. Hill, I. Boomer, I. P. Wilkinson
https://doi.org/10.1144/TMS007
ISBN (print): 9781786203052
ISBN (electronic): 9781786203069
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Published: 2017
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Table of Contents
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Overview
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Microfossils and their utility for archaeological and forensic studiesAuthor(s)Mark Williams;Mark Williams1Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LEI 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Tom Hill;Tom Hill2The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Ian Boomer;Ian Boomer3School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Ian P. WilkinsonIan P. Wilkinson1Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LEI 7RH, UK4British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Environmental applications to archaeology
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The palaeoenvironment of the important Middle Pleistocene hominin site at Boxgrove (West Sussex, UK) as delineated by the foraminifera and ostracodsAuthor(s)John E. Whittaker;John E. Whittaker1Department of Earth Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Simon A. ParfittSimon A. Parfitt1Department of Earth Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK2University College London, Institute of Archaeology, 31–34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Multi-proxy palaeoecological approaches to submerged landscapes: A case study from ‘Doggerland’, in the southern North SeaAuthor(s)Benjamin R. Gearey;Benjamin R. Gearey1Department of Archaeology, University College Cork, Connolly Building, Dyke Parade, Cork City, IrelandSearch for other works by this author on:Emma-J. Hopla;Emma-J. Hopla2Atkins, AXIS, Birmingham B1 1TF, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Ian Boomer;Ian Boomer3School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UKSearch for other works by this author on:David Smith;David Smith4Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Peter Marshall;Peter Marshall5Historic England, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138–142 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Simon Fitch;Simon Fitch6School of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Seren Griffiths;Seren Griffiths7Archaeology, School of Forensic and Applied Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UKSearch for other works by this author on:David R. TappinDavid R. Tappin8British Geological Survey, Kingsley Durham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Palynology and the study of the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in the British IslesAuthor(s)J. B. Innes;J. B. Innes1Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UKSearch for other works by this author on:J. J. BlackfordJ. J. Blackford2School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Palaeoenvironmental investigations of a Mesolithic–Neolithic sedimentary sequence from Queen’s Sedgemoor, SomersetAuthor(s)Tom Hill;Tom Hill1Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UKSearch for other works by this author on:John Whittaker;John Whittaker1Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Richard Brunning;Richard Brunning2South West Heritage Trust, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset TA2 6SF, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Matt Law;Matt Law3Bath Spa University, Newton Park, Bath BA2 9BN, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Martin Bell;Martin Bell4Department of Archaeology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AB, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Christopher Bronk Ramsey;Christopher Bronk Ramsey5Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, Dyson Perrins Building, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Elaine Dunbar;Elaine Dunbar6SUERC Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, Rankine Avenue, East Kilbride G75 0QF, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Peter MarshallPeter Marshall7Historic England, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138–142 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Resolving complexities of pollen data to improve interpretation of past human activity and natural processesAuthor(s)Michael J. Grant;Michael J. Grant1Coastal and Offshore Archaeological Research Services (COARS), Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Martyn WallerMartyn Waller2Department of Geography and Geology, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Ostracods in archaeological sites along the Mediterranean coastlines: three case studies from the Italian peninsulaAuthor(s)Ilaria Mazzini;Ilaria Mazzini1Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, IGAG, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1 – Montelibretti, Via Salaria km 29, 300–00015 Monterotondo (Rome), ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Veronica Rossi;Veronica Rossi2Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, via Zamboni 67, Bologna 40127, ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Simone Da Prato;Simone Da Prato3Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, IGG, Area della Ricerca CNR – Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Valerio RuscitoValerio Ruscito4Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Sapienza Universitá di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, ItalySearch for other works by this author on:
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Provenance analysis in archaeological contexts
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Micropalaeontological applications in archaeology: Mobility and provenanceAuthor(s)Ian P. WilkinsonIan P. WilkinsonBritish Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, UKDepartment of Geology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Calcareous nannofossils as a tool for the provenance determination of archaeological ceramics, building materials and related artefactsAuthor(s)Patrick Sean QuinnPatrick Sean QuinnInstitute of Archaeology, University College London, 31–34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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The contribution of micropalaeontology to the study of Bronze Age potters’ workshops at Tel Lachish, Israel and the biostratigraphy of the Lachish areaAuthor(s)Tom Dunkley Jones;Tom Dunkley Jones1School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Pamela Magrill;Pamela Magrill2Independent Researcher, 19 Leighton Road, Birmingham, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Menahem Weinbaum Hefetz;Menahem Weinbaum Hefetz3Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Mailbox 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, IsraelSearch for other works by this author on:Laura Cotton;Laura Cotton4Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands5Present Address: Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, PO Box 2120, Gainesville, FL 32611-2120, USA6Florida Museum of Natural History, 1659 Museum Road, PO Box 117800, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USASearch for other works by this author on:Paul N. PearsonPaul N. Pearson7School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Microfossils in Iron Age and Romano-British ceramics from eastern EnglandAuthor(s)I. P. Wilkinson;I. P. Wilkinson1British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:M. Williams;M. Williams2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:C. Stocker;C. Stocker2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:I. Whitbread;I. Whitbread3School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:I. Boomer;I. Boomer4School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UKSearch for other works by this author on:T. Farman;T. Farman2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:J. TaylorJ. Taylor3School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Mosaics and microfossilsAuthor(s)Alison Tasker;Alison Tasker141 Main Street, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9GH, UK2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Ian P. Wilkinson;Ian P. Wilkinson2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK3British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Mark WilliamsMark Williams2Department of Geology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Forensic applications
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Forensic applications of micropalaeontologyAuthor(s)Tony BrownTony BrownUniversity of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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The use of diatoms in forensic science: Advantages and limitations of the diatom test in cases of drowningAuthor(s)Zlatko Levkov;Zlatko Levkov1Institute of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Arhimedova 3, Skopje, R. MacedoniaSearch for other works by this author on:David M. Williams;David M. Williams2Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Dragica Nikolovska;Dragica Nikolovska3Department of Microbiology, Public Health Centre, Prilep, R. MacedoniaSearch for other works by this author on:Slavica Tofilovska;Slavica Tofilovska1Institute of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Arhimedova 3, Skopje, R. MacedoniaSearch for other works by this author on:Zdravko ČakarZdravko Čakar4Institute of Forensic Medicine, Criminalistics and Medical Odontology, Skopje, R. MacedoniaSearch for other works by this author on:
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Calcareous micropalaeontology in forensic investigations, with particular reference to the so-called ‘Soham murder case’Author(s)Haydon W. Bailey;Haydon W. Bailey1Network Stratigraphic Consulting Ltd, Harvest House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3JF, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Liam T. Gallagher;Liam T. Gallagher1Network Stratigraphic Consulting Ltd, Harvest House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3JF, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Andrew Moncrieff;Andrew Moncrieff2Hawkins and Associates Ltd, Miller House, 120 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0FZ, UKSearch for other works by this author on:Christopher J. WoodChristopher J. Wood3Scops Ltd., 31 Periton Lane, Minehead, Somerset, UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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