Anthracology and taphonomy, from wood gathering to charcoal analysis. A review of the taphonomic processes modifying charcoal assemblages, in archaeological contexts

The use of forest resources in central Iberia during the Late Iron Age. Insights from the wood charcoal analysis of Pintia, a Vaccaean oppidum

“…The recent updated review by Théry-Parisot et al (2010) illustrates well the potential effects of the so-called "societal filter" that appears to be a key question with respect to the human practices that reflect incidences for the assemblages of paramount importance. Beyond the principle of least effort, further developed theories on optimal human foraging have been applied to charcoal assemblages to address the roles of factors defining human activity, such as the availability of resources, the duration of charcoal accumulation and/or the charcoal remains distributions (e.g., Badal, 1992;Chabal, 1997;Carrión, 2005).…”

“…Classical anthracological studies in the Mediterranean region have usually focused on the potential of charcoal assemblages from hearths as important sources of information on the plant communities that surrounded the archaeological sites (see Chabal et al, 1999;Asouti and Austin, 2005). Although longlasting pyrotechnic contexts are recognized as excellent targets of study when creating palaeo-environmental reconstructions, methodological constraints arise, and the interpretations are frequently subjected to filters conditioning the assemblages (Smart and Hoffman, 1988;Dufraisse, 2008;Théry-Parisot et al, 2010). The principle of least effort (which assumes that charcoal frequency reflects, with a direct or nearly direct correspondence, the prevalence of woody taxa) was commonly employed to interpret the results of archaeological charcoal findings.…”

Physical Disintegration of Biochar: An Overlooked Process

“…19 These mechanisms result in swelling and expansion of the physical biochar structure, which improves the opportunity for further physical weathering. 20 Furthermore, fresh exposures of new biochar surfaces and fissures could accelerate microbial mineralization, 21 abiotic reactions, 22 or surface sorption phenomena. 23 BC typically is thought to be mechanically stronger than the original biomass but is subject to structural fracturing at lower strains than the original biomass.…”

Charcoal Dispersal from Alpine Stallo Hearths in Sub-Arctic Sweden: Patterns Observed from Soil Analysis and Experimental Burning

“…However, in many environments, such as the boreal forest, natural fire is an important and recurrent factor (Zackrisson, 1977, Heinselman, 1981. Consequently, it can be difficult to determine if the charcoal recorded at archaeological sites derives from anthropogenic or natural fires (Théry-Parisot et al, 2010). This has also made it difficult to date ancient boreal settlements using charcoal because old particles may have combusted and new ones may have been produced by numerous natural fires that have affected the settlement area before and after their use .…”

“…However, despite all the new approaches and techniques applied in both fire ecology and archaeology, the interpretation of charcoal occurrences is still problematic because it is difficult to distinguish charcoal produced by local fires from the background influx created by regional fires. In addition, it is challenging to establish whether recorded charcoal derives from man-made or natural fires (Clark, 1988, Lynch et al, 2004, Théry-Parisot et al, 2010.…”