Geoarchaeology
Paleoecological research primarily investigates when, how, where, and to what extent humans have influenced landscape development, as well as the impact of these interventions on specific epochs and regions.
In geoarchaeology, we utilize exploratory geophysical techniques to identify and delineate archaeological sites and features. Our scientific methods further support the detailed analysis of archaeological finds and their contextualization within the landscape.
Holocene Flooding in Kephissos Fluvial System (HFKFS)
Investigation of flood events in the Kephisso Valley from the Bronze Age to the present day
Duration: 2020-2022
Funding: German Archaeological Service (DAI)
Head: Prof. Dr. Joachim Härtling, in cooperation with Prof. Sporn (DAI Athens)
Further information on the project - Project report (PDF, 650 kB)
Climate Change Kephissos Fluvial System (CCKFS)
Investigation of paleoclimatic changes in the Kephisso Valley from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity
Duration: 2019- 2021
Funding: German Archaeological Service (DAI)
Head: Prof. Dr. Joachim Härtling, in cooperation with Prof. Sporn (DAI Athens)
Collaborating students: Andre Jepsen, Jens Christopeit, Emma Hadre, Larissa Werner
Further information on the project - Project report (PDF, 2.08 MB)
Holocene landscape development at the Roman battle site Kalkriese ("Varus Battle")
Geophysical, pedological and (chrono)stratigraphic investigations at the Kalkriese Conflict Site
Duration: Several projects since 2007
Funding: State of Lower Saxony and Varus Society
Head: Prof. Dr. Joachim Härtling, in cooperation with Museum & Park Kalkriese and Archaeology/History Seminar.
Collaborating scientists: Dr. Andreas Stele, Andre Jepsen, Jens Bussmann
Natural and cultural landscape analysis in the transition from the Wiehengebirge to the northwest German lowlands between the Hunte and Weser rivers
Palaeolimnic and terrestrial investigations in the area between the Hase and Hunte rivers at the transition from the Wiehengebirge to the NWD lowlands
Duration: 2013-2016
Funding: R & D project
Head: Prof. Dr. Joachim Härtling & Dr. Andreas Lechner
Collaborators: Dr. Mykola Sadovnik, Dr. Schlöffel, Dr. Andreas Stele, Dr. Jens Bussmann
Fossa Carolina: Linking the port networks on the Rhine and Danube. Studies on overcoming the main European watershed in the Middle Ages
Duration: since 2012
Funding: DFG Priority Program
Head: Prof. Dr. C. Zielhofer (IfG, Leipzig University formerly IfG, Osnabrück University)
Further information on the project here
Härtling, J.W., Stele, A., Ortisi, S., Jepsen, A., Rappe, M., Bussmann, J. and Fülling, A. (2024): Germanic Rampart or Roman Encampment? - New Geoarchaeological Evidence at the Roman Conflict Site at Kalkriese (NW-Germany). Geoarchaeology 40(1). doi.org/10.1002/gea.22031
Stele, A., Fassbinder, J. W. E., Härtling, J.W., Bussmann, J., Zielhofer, C. (2019): Genesis of magnetic anomalies and magnetic properties of archaeological sediments in floodplain wetlands of the Fossa Carolina. Archaeological Prospection, Early View (Open Access) Link
Stele, A. & Härtling, J.W. (2017): Explorative geoarchaeology. Varus Kurier issue 19.
Bussmann, J., Stele, A., Härtling, J.W., Zielhofer, C. & M. Fuchs (2014): Holocene Sediment Dynamics in the vicinity of a Roman battlefield near Osnabrueck (NW-Germany). Journal of Geomorphology Supplement Volume 58(1):97-117.
Stele, A., Bussmann, J., Härtling, J.W., (2013): Combined application of erosion mapping and geomagnetics: a tool for geoarchaeology? In: Conference proceedings and field trip guide. Geopedology and Landscape Development Research Series Volume 02. Brandenburg University of Technology. Cottbus
Bussmann, J., Stele, A., Fuchs, M. C., Zielhofer, C., Härtling, J. W. (2013): Landscape development at the Wiehengebirge, Osnabrücker Land. Colluvial sediments as an indicator of anthropogenic use. In: Conference proceedings and excursion guide. Geopedology and Landscape Development Research Series Volume 02. Brandenburg University of Technology. Cottbus
Leidtholdt, E., Zielhofer, C., Berg-Hobohm, S., Schnabl, K., Kopecky-Hermanns, B., Bussmann, J., Härtling, J. W. and Unger, K. (2012): Fossa Carolina: The first attempt to bridge the central European watershed a review, new findings and geoarcheologicalchallenges.Geoarcheology 27(1): 88-104.
Ibouhouten, H., Zielhofer, C., Mahjoubi, R., Kamel, S., Linstädter, J., Mikdad, A., Bussmann, J., Werner, P., Fenech, K., Härtling, J. W. (2010): Archives alluviales et paléoenvironnementhumain durant l'Holocène à la Basse Moulouya (Rif oriental, Maroc). geomorphology: relief, processus, environnement 1/2010: 41-56.
Härtling, J. W. (2010): Searching for traces - The geochemical fingerprint of metal finds Varus-Kurier 12:15-17.
Härtling, J. W., Wolfe, A. 2000: Paleoecology and geochemistry of some lakes on Baffin Island, Canadian Arctic. Ice Age and Present 50, 28-41.
Wolfe, A., Härtling, J. W. 1997: Early Holocene trace metal enrichment in arctic lake sediments, Baffin Island, Canada. Arctic and Alpine Research 29, 34-41.
Wolfe, A., Härtling, J. W. 1996: The late Quaternary development of three ancient tarns on southwestern Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island, Arctic Canada: paleoecological evidence from diatoms and sediment chemistry. Journal of Paleolimnology 15, 1-18.