TRANSIT, an experimental archaeological program in periglacial environment: Problem, methodology, first results

Abstract

The aim of the experimental archaeological program TRANSIT is to improve the scientific exploitation of Paleolithic sites. This program is based on studies and experiments carried out at high altitude in the French Alps. One of its goals is to assess the consequences of periglacial processes on spatial distributions and on alteration of archaeological assemblages. Research on sedimentary environments illuminates stratogenesis in periglacial contexts. In particular, sedimentary models useful for interpretation of fossil deposits were identified. The first results obtained from experimental artifact test plots emphasize the importance and speed of changes occurring in such a climatic and morpho-dynamic context. Mean lateral displacements from 1.66 to 4.75 cm.year--1 were measured. Moreover osseous and dental pieces suffered important damage. A model of spatial arrangement of artifacts linked to the action of solifluction processes is also proposed. Works on pollen assemblages have shown that most of the pollen deposited on ground surface is quickly removed and that, owing to the very uneven preservation of pollen taxa, an important distortion of the initial spectrum occurs. Finally, application of these results to some Paleolithic sites in the Massif Central and South-West of France has been undertaken.