Site formation processes in the Severn Estuary Levels

Allen, J.R.L and Haslett, S.K (2013) 'Site formation processes in the Severn Estuary Levels.' Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 22.

Abstract

The Severn Estuary Levels share with conventional dryland archaeological sites such site-formation processes as the anaerobic preservation of organic materials in pits, wells, ponds and moats. Unique to the Levels, however, but to be expected in other tidal wetland areas, are a range of natural physical formation processes, some leading to the concealment and preservation of activity/occupation sites and others to the exposure and destruction of sites, and the modification of the assemblages of cultural debris they contain. These processes are sea-level change, sedimentation, wave-action, the wandering of estuarine channels and banks, channel meandering, and salt-marsh autocyclicity. Human interventions from Roman times onwards also contribute to site formation through the embanking and drainage of salt marshes. These interventions transformed the extensive Severn Estuary Levels from wetlands suitable only for seasonal activities to areas that could be farmed and settled, but at the increasing cost of drainage and sea defence demanded by sea-level rise.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Chancelry and Research Management School of Sciences
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2024 19:03
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2024 19:03
ISSN:	1354-7089
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16588

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