Interdisciplinary characterisation and environmental imprints of mining and forestry in the upper Durance valley (France) during the Holocene
Vanessa Py|Alain Véron|Jean-Louis Édouard|Jacques‐Louis de Beaulieu|Bruno Ancel|Maxence Segard|Aline Durand|Philippe Leveau
The upper Durance valley contains the largest silver–lead mines of French Southern Alps. We investigated characterisation and impact these mining activities associated forestry in Argentière (L'Argentière-La Bessée) Faravel (Freissinières) districts using a multidisciplinary approach that includes archaeological, palynological, geochemical, anthracological dendrochronological studies applied to remnants peat bog (Fangeas, district). More specifically, we studied occurrence lead contamination episodes, chronology their link evolution woodland cover. Our is based on archaeology, radiocarbon dating about thirty charcoal samples analysis more than 170 specimens exhumed waterlogged wood. was established with 10,000 charcoals from firesetting. main geochemical its stable isotopes sediment fractions core. combination palynological records isotope imprints were used characterise (i) Roman episode unknown (ii) development medieval (iii) reactivation during Modern period Industrial Revolution. Medieval coincides an extension high mountain agropastoral areas. situ continuous human same industrial territory led rational communal management subalpine forests, but also parcelling reached peak High Middle Ages. Mining significant stress areas appears be related lumber fuel timber production for shipyards (French Royal Navy) as well functioning several military fortresses. 19th c. matched public measures forest protection took shape afforestation programme uplands.
Quaternary International|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)