Pollen Analysis
Palynology or 'pollen analysis' is a robust technique for reconstructing former vegetation composition and different types of human land use (e.g. grazing, agriculture, woodland management) by using microfossils (pollen grains and spores) that have been preserved in sediments. By identifying the pollen grains and spores in the sediment, a picture of former vegetation composition and environmental conditions can be reconstructed. The range and type of past vegetation can give insight into past climate conditions and the impact of human activities on vegetation and landscape.
At ARS Ltd we have considerable experience of pollen analysis and combining this information with archaeological data to provide a more thorough understanding of the past and answer questions that could not be tackled by the archaeological data alone.
ARS Ltd provides a complete service that includes:
- Advice on sampling procedures and site visits
- Laboratory preparation of pollen (into silicone liquid for archiving and mounting onto slides)
- Preliminary evaluations with pollen counts to assessment level as specified by English Heritage MAP2 guidelines (generally one 22x22mm cover slip per sample)
- Detailed investigations with pollen counts to full analysis (a minimum of 500 grains per sample)
- Fast production of a detailed and publication-standard report following completion of the counting. The reports include a systematic interpretation of the results obtained and detailed sediment logs with accompanying photographs of any sediment cores taken.
- Advice on the potential for further analysis and dating of pollen-stratigraphic sequences
For further details please contact one of our Senior Archaeologists using this link.