Human traces in Arctic soils

Geoarchaeological evidence from 19th-century herders and farmers

Bibliographic Data

ID9218965
AuthorsPhilip Jerand (0000-0002-3049-8271, Umeå University, corresponding author), Philip I Buckland (0000-0002-2430-0839, Umeå University), Johan Linderholm (0000-0001-7471-8195, Umeå University)
Year2025
Volume61
Publication date2025-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolar Record (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0032-2474 • E-ISSN: 1475-3057
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s003224742510003x
OpenAlexW4412078703
LanguageEN
References cited39

This study examines how human activities influenced soil development at two contrasting Arctic sites: Maiva, a 19th-century farmstead, and Snuvrejohka, a seasonal Sámi reindeer herding settlement in the Lake Torneträsk region, northern Sweden. Using geochemical and geophysical soil analyses, we explore the spatial distribution and vertical development of anthropogenic signals in the soil. At Maiva, prolonged agricultural use and earthworm bioturbation have led to extensive soil mixing and altered soil horizons, resulting in elevated phosphate, lead, and organic matter concentrations in Ap and Ah horizons. In contrast, Snuvrejohka displays more stratified profiles with localized chemical enrichment around hearths, primarily within E horizons. These results highlight how different land-use practices leave distinct geochemical fingerprints in Arctic soils and emphasize the need for sampling strategies adapted to site-specific soil formation processes. Our findings demonstrate that even short-term or seasonal human activities can leave distinct and detectable signatures in Arctic soils. Through an integrated approach combining soil science, geoarchaeological methods, and historical data, this study provides new insights into the reconstruction of past land-use practices and highlights the vulnerability of archaeological soil records in Arctic environments facing rapid climate-driven change

Archaeology · Arctic · Art · Earth science · Geography · Late 19th century · Physical geography · Soil water · The arctic · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Geology · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Oceanography · Soil Science

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access