Landscape Dynamics in the Sømmevågen Area

Abstract

This study is based on stratigraphical descriptions, radiocarbon dates and pollen records obtained in connection with three archaeological excavations ( Sømme III, Einargården and Sola Airport ). The combined data are used to infer local sediment distributions in a transect between the study sites ( approx. -5 to 10 m.a. s. l. ) and subsequently to infer landscape dynamics over the last 8000 years in the Sømmevågen area, southwestern Norway. The stratigraphy and the analyses show that natural processes dominated the environmental impact until c. 500 BC, after which, human activities related to an expanding agrarian society seemingly became a more important factor. The inferred landscape development provides an example on how human/ nature interactions can change over time and how on-site stratigraphical analyses can contribute to the understanding of archaeological sites and their surroundings.