PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Introduction
An assessment of the palaeoenvironmental research potential on the M3 Clonee – North of Kells Road Scheme was carried out in 2005 by researchers from the Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin
This assessment forms part of an overarching research framework, the aim of which is to transform the archaeological data generated on the M3 archaeological investigations from ‘information’ to ‘knowledge’. One strategy in achieving this aim is to place the newly uncovered archaeological data within its archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and historical context. The palaeoenvironmental potential will be achieved where possible by reconstructing patterns of environmental change, including those caused by human impact, in the region over the past 9,000 years. Palaeoenvironmental techniques such as palynology (study of pollen), tephrochronology (the study of tephra – volcanic ash - deposits to determine their age relationships), fossil insect analysis and the analysis of animal and human bones can be used to identify and quantify changes in past climates. To take one example, plants constitute the basic component elements of ecosystems. Given the sensitivity of plants to climatic changes, the study of the vegetation of the past allows the precise reconstruction of the palaeoclimate and of palaeoecological conditions. |
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| Researchers taking a palaeoenvironmental core on the M3. |
Furthermore, plants were and continue to be an object of use and transformation by humans as fuel and timber. As a result, research into vegetation provides a tool for the understanding of the role of humans in the shaping of the environment.
Summary Findings
A review of existing palaeoenvironmental literature from Meath (and adjacent regions) was undertaken as part of the assessment and revealed that there has been a very limited amount of research carried out. County Meath is not characterized by an extensive cover of bog/ wetland environments, a situation that is atypical of Ireland as a whole. (This is likely to be a contributing factor to the paucity of palaeoenvironmental literature from the region).
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The assessment indicates that only three sites along the M3 (Clowanstown, Drumree and Newrath Big) are deemed as being potentially useful for reconstructing aspects of the local-regional (Holocene) environment. Such sites are regarded as having “potential� due to the presence of a substantial peat/organic sediment horizon. Further ResearchThis initial assessment of palaeoenvironmental research potential used lithostratigraphical analysis alone. However, the report notes that in order to realise the full potential of the cored sediments, detailed micro and macro fossil analysis would be advisable. In addition, this should be accompanied by some form of firm chronological control such as radiocarbon dating. It is intended that further palaeoenvironmental work will be carried out in conjunction with archaeological research. Such a combined, interdisciplinary approach is likely to deliver a more comprehensive picture of the ancient environment and climate of this area. | |
| Examining a palaeoenvironmental core on the M3 |
