A digital elevation model as a base for the reconstruction of Holocene land‐use potential in arid regions

Abstract

AbstractThe study presents an attempt to reconstruct the land‐use potential of two different arid regions during the early‐ and mid‐Holocene climatic optimum using geomorphological and archaeological data sets. Field investigations and the analysis of digital elevation data, derived from ASTER‐satellite data, demonstrate that in the Western Desert of Egypt archaeological hunter and gatherer sites are concentrated in relief positions with a surplus of surface water. A statistical analysis (CCA) confirms these results. Furthermore, we found evidence that people favored plains and highlands with diffuse vegetation during the early Holocene, but were more attracted to temporary wetlands along wadis and depressions in the mid‐Holocene. It seems possible that the complex analysis of point‐specific and area‐wide archaeological and geomorphological data provide a sound base for the reconstruction of Holocene land‐use potential in arid regions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.