Stratigraphic and plant microfossil investigation at Cook's Cove, North Island, New Zealand: reinterpretation of Holocene deposits and evidence of Polynesian-introduced crops

摘要: A shoreline and archaeological excavations at Cook's Cove, eastern North Island, New Zealand were examined for stratigraphy plant microfossils results compared with previous interpretations of this site. Buried soils, distal tephras pollen revealed evidence pre- post-settlement forest disturbance. Microfossil starch calcium oxalate crystals introduced sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) taro (Colocasia esculenta) identified throughout the deposits, indicating intensive local cultivation processing these crops. Results are consistent revised geochronological models and, bearing in mind loss by erosion, differ several respects to those studies, as follows. The sea-rafted Taupo Pumice (AD 200) Loisel's (from multiple off-shore sources) not widespread. Although microscopic charcoal was present full depth all profiles, we did observe macroscopic pieces below Pumice. only material w...