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Pollen Analysis
Pollen analysis, or Palynology, is a type of environmental archaeology in which microscopes are used to analyse the
range of plant pollens present in archaeological layers: these can tell us what crops, vegetation or ground cover
were likely to have been present when a layer was deposited.
Pollen is part of the reproductive system of plants - tiny grains are discharged like dust from the male plant and
rely on wind and insects to be transported to female plants. Particularly in summer, the air is filled with pollen
dust. Pollen grains are distinctive to each plant species and sub-species, and their tiny and dense structure mean
that they survive well in many soil types for thousands of years.
Pollen analysts (or palynologists) extract pollen from soil that has been excavated or removed from the ground in
auger-cores. Each layer of soil is analysed separately. Radiocarbon dating is commonly used to date these layers so
that the changing pollen presence over time can be measured.
The soil is mixed with water and placed in a centrifuge (a machine that spins it very fast). This separates the
lighter pollen from the heavier soil. Individual grains are then identified and counted. Graphs are compiled of the
types of pollen present in relation to the time-scale being studied. Grass, wood, cereal and weed pollens all have
a story to tell about past land use - forest clearances, cultivation and abandonment can all be identified in this
way. When combined with other types of archaeological evidence - such as settlements or field systems, pollen
evidence can be extremely informative.
Learn more:
- J. Evans and T. O'Connor, Environmental Archaeology, Principles and Method, Sutton, Stroud, 2001.
- D.F. Dinacauze, Environmental Archaeology, Principles and Practice, Cambridge University Press, 2000.
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