YORK, ENGLAND—The Yorkshire Post reports that a study conducted by chemists Kirsty High and Kirsty Penkman of the University of York simulated recent conditions at Star Carr, a waterlogged Mesolithic archaeological site, to see how environmental changes could affect ancient artifacts made from organic materials. Scientists had noticed that bone and wood recovered at Star Carr was deteriorating—the wood was crumbly, and the bone had demineralized. The change in preservation status at the site was thought to be due to a drop in the water table, which made the soil much more acidic. High and Penkman placed samples of bone and wood in peat from Star Carr, garden compost, and sand to see how they reacted in saturated, fluctuating, or dry conditions. After 12 months, they found that both the wood and bone placed in the peat from Star Carr had deteriorated rapidly. Penkman explained that pollution and changes in land use place wetlands and waterlogged archaeological sites at risk. As a result, she thinks that leaving organic remains in situ may no longer be the best way to protect them for future research. To read about a recent discoery at Star Carr, go to “Mesolithic Markings.”
