Geomorphology and evolution of the Ner River Valley in the vicinity of Lutomiersk-Koziówki site in the light of geoarchaeological research Cover Image

Budowa i ewolucja doliny Neru w rejonie stanowiska Lutomiersk-Koziówki w świetle badań geoarcheologicznych
Geomorphology and evolution of the Ner River Valley in the vicinity of Lutomiersk-Koziówki site in the light of geoarchaeological research

Author(s): Piotr Kittel
Subject(s): Cultural Essay, Political Essay, Societal Essay
Published by: Łódzkie Towarzystwo Naukowe
Keywords: geomorphology; geoarchaeology; slope processes; human impact; Ner River valley; central Poland

Summary/Abstract: Geoarchaeological investigations were undertaken in the Ner River valley in vicinity of Lutomiersk since last few years and they have been continued at few archaeological sites. In the paper the results of research at Lutomiersk- Koziówki site are presented. The site is situated in the southern part of the Ner River valley, very close to the small stream Zalewka (or Wrząca) River mouth. The site has been established on the surface and slightly inclined side slope of high terrace, which is most probably the remnant of alluvial fan of the Zalewka River. The high terrace as well as substratum geology of the site is formed mainly by clastic medium- and coarse-grained sands without any admixture of organic matter. The sediments of high terrace have been accumulated in the Pleniglacial of the Weichselian (Plenivistulian), what is documented by appropriate TL dating. In a morphologic point of view, the high terrace was formed in the decline of the Weichselian and it was connected with an activity of large palaeochannels of the Ner River. The hillock occupied by Lutomiersk-Koziówki site is closed in north-western part by huge palaeochannel filled by organic mud and peat in the bottom, covered by overbank sands and silts. The deposition of the palaeochannel fill has been initiated in the decline of Weichselian (Late Vistulian) and it was continuing in Holocene. In the Boreal Period as well as at the beginning of the Atlantic Period the overbank sediments began to be accumulated at the valley floor, especially in the palaeochannel, which constituted the record of the increased fluvial activity of about 7,4–7,0 ka BP. Slope deposits covered moderately inclined surfaces, which limited sites and previously settlements, have been identified at most of investigated sites. At the upper part of the site, slope cover is represented by brown and dark grey partly humus sands with reach admixture of charcoals and numerous fragments of pottery and other artefacts of the Trzciniec Culture in the bottom and of the Lusatian Culture in the higher level. Buried soil has been recognized on the top of substratum sediments and artefacts of Trzciniec Culture have been noticed within those layer. The thickness of the discussed sand cover ranges to the 0,7 m. The analogous slope deposits have been recognized at side slopes of the hillock, where they overlie the filling of palaeochannel and overbank alluvia and cover buried soil horizon containing TC artefacts. Within the detailed geoarchaeological research, we have recognised within the slope cover three buried soils. The features of the slope deposits are typical for the slope wash cover of “deluvial sands”. Intensive settlement activity led to plant cover cleaning and initiating of slope wash processes. This resulted in soil erosion and development of thick covers of deluvial sediments. The plant cover cleaning is proved by the existence of charcoal within deluvial covers.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 100
  • Page Range: 113-133
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish