Quantifying the anthropogenic forcing on soil erosion during the Iron Age and Roman Period in southeastern France

摘要: Abstract This study combines a traditional qualitative description of sedimentary units with quantitative sediment budget approach to document the colluvial and alluvial dynamics in Valdaine region (Drome, France) from Iron Age early medieval period (700 BC–900 AD). Three transects through deposits are discussed detail demonstrate way which absolute dating techniques archeological evidence combined establish stratigraphic framework. framework is applied 16 sites further an existing quantitatively reconstruct catchment-wide evolution. Results show large variations over time deposition: first phase 700 400/300 BC, followed by incision between 300/200 BC 100/50 unprecedented peak deposition during Roman (100/50 BC–450 AD), continued but decreased 450 900 AD. These results how relates increased population density anthropogenic land use on timescale few centuries. The analysis indicates important erosion phases period, considered be warmer (Roman warm period). A relation particular regional climate could not discovered, possibly because temporal resolution sedimentological data that still fail identify events lasting decades century.