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CADERNOS DO LABORATORIO
XEOLXICO DE LAXE 38
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Pg.
1. ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF SOIL CHEMICAL
PROPERTIES ALONG A TRANSECT USING MULTIFRACTAL ANAL-
YSIS
Dafonte Dafonte, J., Valcrcel Armesto, M., Da Silva Das, R., Vidal Vzquez,
E., and Paz Gonzlez, A. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Grandal-Danglade, A, Serrulla Rech, F., Tomas Botella, V., Prez Rama, M.,
Gomez, M., Ramil Gonzalez, E... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Gontareva, E.f., Ansari, M.k., Ruban, D.a., Ahmad, M. & Singh, T.n.. . . . . 67
Comit Cientfico
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Seminario deSeminario
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rea dee Minera.
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Comit Cientfico
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A. Marcos (Oviedo);
A. MarcosL.G.
(Oviedo);
CorretgL.G.
(Oviedo);
CorretgR.(Oviedo);
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R. VegasJ. (Madrid);
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Cataln
Martnez Cataln
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Cadernos Lab. Xeolxico de Laxe
Corua. 2015. Vol. 38, pp. 11 - 24 ISSN: 0213-4497
Abstract
The spatial variability of soil properties can be assessed through concepts of scale invariance, fractals
and multifractals. The aim of this study was to characterize the scaling patterns and structural
heterogeneity properties of general soil chemical properties along a short (i.e. 52 m large) transect.
Field measurements were carried out at the experimental farm of CIAM located in Mabegondo,
A Corua, Spain. The studied transect was marked following land slope, and 66 soil samples were
collected at the 0-20 cm depth every 0.8 m. The soil properties analyzed were: pH (H2O ), organic
carbon content, exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, exchangeable acidity (H + Al), exchangeable bases (SB),
cation exchange capacity (CEC), percent base saturation (V) and extractable P. The soil properties
studied showed various degrees of multifractality. The spatial distribution of pH was characterized
by quasi-monofractal behaviour; CEC, (H+Al) and OM, presented a relatively low degree of
multifractality, and the other soil properties studied showed stronger degrees of multifractality,
being the highest one for Olsen extractable P. In general, the scaling features of the properties studied
implied a multifractal nature, where the low and high density regions scaled differently.
the totaleach
lengthscale,
of the a number
sampled of was
transect segments,
extentN() 2k of characteristic
of the=support, L, in this case asizetran-length, = L 2
52 m. sect (e.g. Evertsz and Mandelbrot, 1992;
whole extent of the support, L, inCaniego this case a transect
et al., 2005; Vidal (e.g. Evertsz
Vzquez and Mandelbrot, 1
et al.,
2.2. Analysis of general soil properties 2013).
al., 2005; Vidal Vzquez et al., 2013).
Then, the experimental data for each
Soil Then,
samplesthe wereexperimental
air-dried, crusheddata
andfor variable
each variable
studied were studied were converted
converted into the into the dist
sieved through a 2 mm mesh. Soil pH, or- distribution of mass along the geometric
along content,
ganic carbon the geometric support.
exchangeable bases Therefore, the probability
support. Therefore, mass function,
the probability mass pi(), for ea
(Ca+2 + Mg+2 + K+) exchangeable acidity function, pi(d), for each segment was es-
(H+ plusestimated
Al+3), and as a proportion
extractable according
phosphorus to: as a proportion according to:
timated
were analyzed. In addition, cation exchange N ()
capacity (CEC), sum of exchangeable bases pi () i (1)
Nt
(SB = Ca + Mg + K ) and percent base
+2 +2 +
saturation (V%) were computed from ex- where Ni (d) is the value of the measure
changeable cations. Organic carbon content in a given segment, ith, and Nt is the sum of
was determined following the Walkley-Black the measure in the whole transect.
method (van Raij et al. 2001; da Silva Das Multifractal analysis involves several
where Ni () is the value of the measure in a given segment, ith, and Nt is the sum of the measu
et al., 2013). Phosphorus was determined scaling functions: mass exponent, tq, sin-
colorimetricaaly after whole transect.
extraction by the resin gularity spectrum, f(), local scaling index,
method (van Raij et al. 2001; Paz-Ferreiro et , and generalized or Rnyi dimension,
Multifractal analysis involves qseveral scaling functions: mass exponent, q, singularity spectru
al., 2012). Exchangeable bases (Ca+2 + Mg+2 Dq. In practice, using the box counting
+ K+) were determined localafter
scaling index, with
extraction q, and generalized
method, theor so-called
Rnyi dimension, partitionDq.function
. In practice, using the box
a cation exchange resin, whereas extractable scales with the segment
method, the so-called partition function scales with the segment size size as follows:
as follows:
acidity (H+ + Al+3) was determined after
( q , ) p iq ( ) .
n ( )
Al extraction with KCl, as described in van (2)
i 1
Raij et al. (2001).
Where n () is the number of segments with size and statistical moments q are defined for
.
A log-log plot of the quantity (q, ) versus for different values of q yields: (q, ) ( q ) ,
is the mass scaling function of order q. Note that the method of moments is justified if the
( q, ) versus are straight lines (Halsey et al., 1986).
The mass exponent function q was estimated from the partition function as:
log (q, )
(q) lim (3)
0 log(1 / )
here Ni () is the value of the measure
CAD. in a given
LAB. XEOL. LAXE segment, ith, and Nt is the sum of the measure
38 (2015) in the of the Spatial Variability 15
Assessment
hole transect.
ultifractal analysis involves several scaling functions: mass exponent, q, singularity spectrum, f(),
cal scaling index, q, and generalized or Rnyi dimension, Dq.. In practice, using the box counting
Where n (d) is the number of segments exponent f(q+) corresponds to the rarefied
ethod, the so-called partition function scales with the segment size as follows:
with size d and statistical moments q are de- regions of the measure. The connection be-
fined for - <( qq, <) . p ( ) . (2)
n( )
i
q
tween the scaling exponents q and f () can
A log-log plot of the quantity c(q, d) ver-
i 1
be made through a Legendre transforma-
here n () is the number susof dsegments with size
for different and
values ofstatistical moments
q yields:c(q, d)q are tion.
defined Infor this - work,
< q < however, the functions t
q
, where q is the mass scaling function of
-(q)
and f () were obtained following Chhabra
order(q,
log-log plot of the quantity q. Note that
) versus thedifferent
for method of moments
values of q yields: (qand
, ) Jensen
( q ) (1989)
, where q with the equations:
is justified if the plots of c(q, d) versus are
the mass scaling function of order q. Note that the method of moments is justified if the plots Nof
i (q, ) log i ( ) (4a)
( )
straight lines (Halsey et al., 1986). (q) i 1
q, ) versus are straight lines
The(Halsey
massetexponent
al., 1986). function was es- log( )
q
log (q, ) f q i 1
(4b)
(q) lim (3) log( )
0 log(1 / )
alized dimensions are D0 for q = 0, D1 for q ity of a structure, the closer the Dq values;
= 1 and D2 for q = 2, which are referred to thus in a monofractal Dq is constant.
as capacity, information (Shannon entropy)
and correlation dimension, respectively. 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The capacity or box-counting dimen-
sion, D0, is the scaling exponent of the num- 3.1. Statistical analysis
ber of non-empty segments. Thus, it is in-
dependent of the quantity of mass in each A summary statistical analysis of the
box, but takes into account the fact that the studied soil properties is listed in Table 1.
segments are occupied or not. The informa- Mean soil pH was 4.9 and overall pH values
tion dimension, D1, gives the probability of along the sampled transect varied from 4.6
occupation of the ith segment of size , with- to 5.4 along, which means very strongly acid
out taking into account the way in which the to strongly acidic soil reaction. Mean organ-
measure is distributed within each of these ic matter content was 41.7 mg kg-1, and the
segments. Thus, D1 provides a physical char- range of OM values varied from 28.0 to 62.0
acterization, indicating how heterogeneity mg kg-1. Cation exchange capacity ranged
changes across a certain range of scales, and from 9.37 to 15.06 Cmol+kg-1, with a mean
it is also related to the Shannon entropy. value of 12.23 Cmol+kg-1, and the sum of
The correlation dimension, D2, describes exchangeable bases was lower than exchange-
the uniformity of the measure values among able acidity, as expected from the low pH val-
intervals. The generalized dimension, Dq, is ues. Subsequently percent base saturation was
widely used for the comprehensive study of lower than 50%. Olsen extractable phospho-
multifractals. Differences between Dq allow rus content ranged from 6.0 to 39.0 mg kg-1.
comparison of the complexity between the Coefficients of variation were highest for
studied data sets. The higher the homogene- Olsen extractable P and lowest for pH, and
Table 1. Summary statistics of the studied soil properties measured along a transect (std =
standard deviation, c.v.= coefficient of variation).
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Assessment of the Spatial Variability 17
ranked as follows: P> Mg > Ca > SB > Vthe partition function for successive mo-
> K > OM > H + Al > CEC > pH. There- ments can be fitted by power law functions
fore, Olsen-P showed a CV higher than 50%;
(Evertsz and Mandelbrot, 1992; Zeleke and
moreover exchangeable bases and the attrib-
Si, 2006). Therefore, plots of the normal-
ized measure (q,) versus measurement
utes of the exchange complex SB an V ex-
scale, , were examined, for all the statisti-
hibited a relatively high statistical variability
with CVs higher than 20%. Previous stud-
cal moments of interest, to find out whether
ies also have reported high and low values
the studied properties obeyed or not power
of spatial variability for exchangeable bases
law scaling. For moment orders in the range
(Vidal Vzquez et al., 2013) and pH (Can-
between q = +5 and q = -5, the logarithm of
(q,) versus the logarithm of fitted a lin-
iego et al., 2005; Vidal Vzquez et al., 2013),
respectively. ear model when the partition function was
constructed for successive box sizes in steps
power 3.2.
lawMultifractal
scaling. For moment orders in the range
analysis. , k=0 to q
of 2between
k
= +5
k=7. and q = -5,partition
Consequently, the logarithm of (q,)
functions have been estimated in the range
versus theThe
logarithm ofofa fitted
distribution measurea islinear
consid-model whenbehaviour,
of linear the partition function
involving box sizeswas
lim- constructed for
ered fractal (mono- or multifractal)
k when ited to 0< k <7.
successive box sizes in steps of 2 , k=0 to k=7. Consequently, partition functions have been estimated
in the range of linear behaviour, involving box sizes limited to 0< k <7.
12
9 q = -5
q = -4
6 q = -3
q = -2
3
log (q, )
q = -1
0 q=0
q=1
-3 q=2
q=3
-6
q=4
-9 q=5
-12
-2,0 -1,5 -1,0 -0,5 0,0
log
pH
15
12 q = -5
q = -4
9
q = -3
6
q = -2
3
log (q, )
q = -1
0 q=0
-3 q=1
q=2
q=4
-9 q=5
-12
-2,0 -1,5 -1,0 -0,5 0,0
18 Dafonte, J et al. log CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
pH
15
12 q = -5
q = -4
9
q = -3
6
q = -2
3
log (q, )
q = -1
0 q=0
-3 q=1
q=2
-6
q=3
-9
q=4
-12 q=5
-15
-2,0 -1,5 -1,0 -0,5 0,0
log ( )
Olsen P
FigureFigure
1. Examples of loglog
1. Examples plots
of loglog plotsof
of the
the partition function,
partition function, (q,),versus
(q,),versus measurement scale, , for
measurement
pH andscale,
Olsen extractable
, for P. extractable P.
pH and Olsen
Examples Examples
of partition
of functions are shownarein Figure
partition functions 1. TheSingularity
sets studied. log-log plots of were
spectra con- always fitted a
(q,)-
shown with
linear model in Figure
high 1.
andThe log-log plots
coefficients of cave down(P<0.05),
of determination parabolic and
curves withwere
there moresome
or differences in
(q,)- always fitted a linear model with less asymmetry, and for all the studied cases
high and coefficients of determination the left branch was longer than the right
(P<0.05), and there were some differences in branch. Selected examples of singularity
the goodness of fit to a power law between spectra are shown in Figure 2. Shape, am-
the variables studied. plitude and symmetry of the f()- plots in
The singularity spectrum was estimated Figure 2 show wide differences, which will
by Equations 4a and 4b. The range of sta- be next addressed for testing the hypothesis
tistical moments used to compute f()- of singular behavior of the measured soil
plots was = -5.0 < q < 5.0 for all the data properties.
The singularity spectrumwas estimated by Equations 4a and 4b. The range of statistical moments used
to compute f()- plots was = -5.0 < q < 5.0 for all the data sets studied. Singularity spectra were
concave down parabolic curves with more or less asymmetry, and for all the studied cases the left
branch was longer than the right branch. Selected examples of singularity spectra are shown in Figure
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Assessment of the Spatial Variability 19
2. Shape, amplitude and symmetry of the f()-plots in Figure 2 show wide differences, which will be
next addressed for testing the hypothesis of singular behavior of the measured soil properties.
1,20
1,00
0,80
pH
f( )
0,60 Ca
P
0,40
0,20
0,00
0,60 0,70 0,80 0,90 1,00 1,10 1,20
Variable q- q+ (-5 - 5) 0 -5 5
In addition, shape and asymmetry of the the highest values that were less frequent
f()- spectrum can be employed to assess and showed more differences between one
the heterogeneity of the measure. Note also another along the profile.
that the presence of extremely high and ex- Selected examples of generalized dimen-
tremely low data values and dominance of sion spectra are shown in Figure 3. They
either low or high data are related to the left follow a typical sigma shaped curve that
(q >>1) and right (q<<1) parts of the f() crosses through 1.0 at q=0. The amplitude
spectrum, respectively. For the studied soil of the Dq curvature, however, varied widely
properties measured along profiles, the left and it was very narrow for pH, intermedi-
branch of the f()- spectrum was wider ate for exchangeable Ca and rather wide
than the left branch. Asymmetry toward the for Olsen-P. Standard errors of Dq also in-
left indicates dominance of the lowest singu- creased with increasing |q|, and their maxi-
larity exponents, . In general, the left side mum values for q=10, q=1, q=2, q=5 and
was also longer than the right side, revealing q=-5 were as high as 0.000, 0.005
that the geometrical size of points with the 0.005, 0.021 and 0.019, respectively. De-
smallest exponents, was smaller. The op- termination coefficients were highest for q =
posite was true for the narrower and shorter 0, (R2=1.000) and decreased with increased
right side of the singularity spectrum. This |q|; for q = 1, q =2, q = 5, and q = -5, the
suggest dominance of lowest values along value of R2 was higher than 1,000, 0.999,
de measured profiles and that these were and 0.997 and 0.998, respectively (data not
quite similar to each other, as compared to shown).
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Assessment of the Spatial Variability 21
The curvature of the generalized di- the smallest concentrations of the measure.
mension, Dq, was always much higher for This is in accordance with the fact that the
positive than for negative values of q. This singularity spectra, f()-, had a wider left
branch of the Rnyi spectra corresponds to branch.
1,1
1,1
1,0
pH
Dq
1,0 Ca
P
0,9
0,9
0,8
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
q
Figure 3. Generalized dimension.
FigureThe
3. Singularity spectra
generalized for pH, exchangeable
dimension function Ca andDextractable
2
P.
, as the difference between D0 and D2
also provides information to assess whether were lower than 0.05. Moreover, for CEC,
The generalized dimension function also provides information to assess whether the scaling properties
the scaling properties observed correspond (H+Al) and OM, values of (D0 - D2) were
observed correspondotomultifractal
to monofractal monofractal behaviour.
o multifractal behaviour.
lower thanThe0.01.spatial distribution
However the of the soil
remaining
The spatial
properties distribution
studied would have aoftendency
the soilto prop- variablestype
follow multifractal canof be regarded
scaling if D0 > as
D1>multifractal
D2. Table 3
erties studied would have a tendency to measures. This result evidences various de-
shows that for pH, D0 D1 D2, as the difference between D0 and D2 were lower than 0.05. Moreover,
follow multifractal type of scaling if D0 > grees of multifractality of the studied soil
forDCEC,
> D (H+Al)
. Table and
3 OM, values
shows that for (D0 -DD2) were
of pH, D lower than 0.01. However the remaining variables
properties.
1 2 0 1
can be regarded as multifractal measures. This result evidences various degrees of multifractality of the
studied soil properties.
Variable (D-5 - D5) D-5 D5 D0 D1 D2
pH 0,019 1.003 0.000 0.984 0.004 1.000 0.000 0.999 0.000 0.997 0.001
Variable
OM (D-5 0.047
- D5) D-5 0.002 0.974
1.021 D5 0.005 1.000D0 0.000 0.995D1 0.001 0.990D2 0.002
pH 0,019 1.003 0.000 0.984 0.004 1.000 0.000 0.999 0.000 0.997 0.001
OM CEC 0.024
0.047 1.006
1.021 0.0010.974
0.002 0.982 0.0061.000
0.005 1.000 0.0000.995
0.000 0.998
0.001
0.001 0.9950.002
0.990 0.001
CEC SB 0.024
0.125 1.006 0.001
1.037 0.0070.982 0.006
0.912 0.0211.000 0.000
1.000 0.0000.998
0.988 0.001
0.002 0.995
0.9730.001
0.004
SB 0.125 1.037 0.007 0.912 0.021 1.000 0.000 0.988 0.002 0.973 0.004
Ca 0.081 1.038 0.005 0.957 0.005 1.000 0.000 0.991 0.001 0.982 0.002
Ca 0.081 1.038 0.005 0.957 0.005 1.000 0.000 0.991 0.001 0.982 0.002
Mg Mg 0.135
0.135 1.059 0.019
1.059 0.0190.924 0.019
0.924 0.0191.000 0.000
1.000 0.0000.982
0.982 0.005
0.005 0.964
0.9640.010
0.010
K K 0.072
0.072 1.023 0.003
1.023 0.0030.951 0.013
0.951 0.0131.000 0.000
1.000 0.0000.994
0.994 0.001
0.001 0.986
0.9860.002
0.002
H+Al 0.035 1.013 0.003 0.978 0.008 1.000 0.000 0.997 0.001 0.994 0.002
V H+Al 0.035
0.092 1.013
1.035 0.0030.943
0.006 0.978 0.0081.000
0.011 1.000 0.0000.991
0.000 0.997
0.001
0.001 0.9940.003
0.980 0.002
P V 0.191
0.092 1.059 0.009
1.035 0.0060.868 0.009
0.943 0.0111.000 0.000
1.000 0.0000.977
0.991 0.002
0.001 0.950
0.9800.005
0.003
Following previous criteria (Vidal the spatial distributions of these soil proper-
Vzquez et al. 2013) the spatial distribution ties exhibited various degrees of multifrac-
of pH is characterized by quasi-monofractal tality. Thus, the spatial distribution of pH
behaviour, CEC, (H+Al) and OM, present a was characterized by quasi-monofractal be-
relatively low degree of multifractality, and haviour, CEC, (H+Al) and OM, showed a
the other soil properties studied (exchangea- relatively low degree of multifractality, and
ble K, Mg and Ca, SB, V and Olsen-P) show the other soil properties studied (exchange-
a stronger degrees of multifractality. able K, Mg and Ca, SB, V and Olsen-P) ex-
The difference (D-5 - D5) also has been hibited a stronger degrees of multifractality.
frequently used as an index of multifractal- Acknowledgments. This work was fund-
ity. The value of this parameter ranged from ed in by Ministry of Economy and Com-
0.019 (pH) to 0.191 (Olsen-P). Therefore, petitiveness, Spain) in the frame of project
again analysis of Dq spectra showed that the CGL2013-47814-C2.
spatial distribution of the studied soil at-
tributes exhibited various degrees of scaling REFERENCES
heterogeneity or multifractality.
The sampled transects was representative CANIEGO, F.J., ESPEJO, R., MARTN,
of the main pedological conditions along a M. A., SAN JOS, F. (2005). Multifrac-
slope at the studied site. The spatial variabil- tal scaling of soil spatial variability. Eco-
ity of this transect, sampled reflects the local logical Modelling, 182:291-302.
effects of the main soil forming factors and CARIDAD-CANCELA, R., VIDAL
processes. Therefore, the scaling properties VZQUEZ, E., VIEIRA, S. R.,
of the soil attributes embody a realistic situ- ABREU, C. A., PAZ GONZLEZ, A.
ation, consistent with observations at the (2005). Assessing the spatial uncertainty
small plot level. At this level, the multifrac- of mapping trace elements in cultivated
tal approach gives a good description of the fields. Communications in Soil Science
spatial variability along transects. and Plant Analysis, 36(1,3): 253-274.
CHHABRA A.B., JENSEN, R. V. (1989).
CONCLUSIONS Direct determination of the f() singu-
larity spectrum. Physical Revew Letters,
We investigated the multifractal proper- 62: 1327-1330.
ties of several soil chemical properties, includ- DAFONTE, DAFONTE, J., GUITIN
ing pH, OM, attributes of the soil exchange OJEA, M., PAZ-FERREIRO, J.,
complex and Olsen extractable P sampled MACHADO SIQUEIRA, G., VIDAL
along a transect transects on a gentle slope. VZQUEZ, E. (2010). Mapping of soil
All the singularity spectra studied were char- micronutrients in an European Atlantic
acterized by a wider left branch, whereas the agricultural landscape using ordinary
generalized dimension spectra had a wider kriging and indicator approach. Bragan-
right branch, which correspond to the small- tia, 69: 175-186.
est concentrations of the measure. EVERSTZ, C.J.G., MANDELBROT, B.
Singularity spectrum, f()-, and gen- B. (1992). Multifractal measures. In
eralized dimension, Dq, curves showed that Peitgen, H., H. Jrgens, and D. Saupe.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Assessment of the Spatial Variability 23
(1) Instituto Universitario de Geologa. University of Corua, Campus de Elvia s/n. 15071 A Corua
(Spain). (*) corresponding author xemoncho@udc.es
(2) Instituto Universitario de Geologa. University of Corua, Campus de Elvia s/n. 15071 A Corua
(Spain) xemos@udc.es
(3) University of California, San Diego. Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (0317), 9500 Gilman
Drive, 5322 Mayer Hall, La Jolla, California 92093-0317. U.S.A. kmarti@ucsd.edu
Abstract
The Serras of Queixa-Invernadoiro and Gers-Xurs in the NW of the Iberian Peninsula are two
small mountain massifs located at low altitude that were glaciated in the Pleistocene. The prevailing
granitic lithology was a problem for mapping glacial forms (in many cases interpreted as banal
granite forms) and for the identification of the tills (misunderstood as remains of regolith). A
combination of geomorphological techniques (genetic mapping of granite forms and deposits), the
micromorphological study of till thin sections and the morphoscopy of quartz grains at the SEM
enabled to establish a model of the geomorphological evolution complemented with the chronology
by cosmogenic nuclides (21Ne and 10Be) of both glacial systems. The obtained results represent the
glacial evolution of the area from circa 250 ka B.P.
Vidal Roman et al., 1995) or in a proglacial the rocky substratum is not the same. Also,
setting (Laga de Marinho, Serra do Gers- neither the dimensions of the glaciation of
Xurs, Ramil-Rego et al., 1998). The oldest the Pyrenees and of the Iberian NW nor the
and most continuous sedimentary records types of deposits and glacial forms present
of the zone have been preserved in those in both zones are comparable. As for exam-
sites. However, their maximum age is 15 ple, glacial polish or striae typically found in
ka B.P. (14C), thus corresponding to a late any common glaciated landscape in the NW
stage of the later glacial or postglacial times. Iberian granite areas are scarce and only
So, the chronological model proposed preserved in quartz dykes or in individual
for the west of the Spanish Pyrenees feldspars (Vidal Roman et al., 1990 a and
(Vilaplana, 1981; Bordonau, 1992), with a b). The postglacial weathering of the glaci-
maximum age of 60 ka B.P., was initially as- ated surfaces, though not intense (Soares de
sumed as valid for all the Cantabrian Chain, Carvalho and Lopes Nunes (1981) calculate
including Galicia (Jimnez, 1996; Vidal Ro- the postglacial degradation in 15 mm thick)
man et al., 1995) and the north of Portugal has greatly eliminated the glacial polish sur-
(Brum Ferreira, et al., 1992). The extension faces. Other types of forms and glacial de-
of the Pyrenean chronology to the Iberian posits, frequent in the other glaciated areas
NW caused problems of correlation because of Iberia, are very scarce in NW Iberia.
Fig. 1.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) The glaciation of Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiroe 29
Fig. 2.
30 Fernndez, D., Vidal, J.R and Marti, K. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS nitic residuals (tor and castellated rocks) are
only present outside the glaciated area (De
3.1. Geomorphological definition of the Ua and Vidal Roman, 2000).
glacial dynamics: These data were used to establish ei-
ther the relative chronology of the gla-
The glaciated area has been defined us- cial evolution or the maximum extent of
ing different geomorphological criteria: the glaciation in both mountains (Figs 3a
landforms and deposits of glacial origin and b; 4a and b). Finally, though it is not
(roches moutonnes, glacial polished sur- of preferential interest for this work, the
faces, moraines, supraglacial and subglacial thickness reached by the ice during the
tills), granite forms (tor, castellated rocks glacial maximum has been approximately
and gnammas, essentially), and finally, the established according to the height of the
areas covered or not by granite regolith lateral moraines above the present bottom
which allowed us to establish the maximum of the valley. The values presented herein
perimeter of the surface affected by the ice. are approximate and give illustrative mag-
For example, the gnammas and the big gra- nitudes.
Fig. 3a.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) The glaciation of Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiroe 31
Fig. 3b.
3.2. Absolute chronology: The top 5 cm from the cores were cut
and ground to several grain sizes. Optical
According to the geomorphological and inspection of the granite or quartz separates
sedimentological observations a selection of revealed that the 0.5 to 0.95 mm fraction
glacial polished surfaces and deposits (mo- showed the cleanest quartz grain abundance;
raines) that represents the main phases of thus, this fraction was used to separate the
glacial evolution in both zones was carried quartz for cosmogenic 21Ne measurements.
out. In both cases, when possible, quartz Remaining fractions were sent for AMS
dyke samples were collected. There were 10Be measurements to PRIME Lab of Pur-
taken into account the topographic determi- due University (U.S.A.).
nants to avoid temporal and spatial shield- Sample preparation for 21Ne measure-
ing (Cerling and Craig, 1994). For example, ments began with a chemical etching for
sample Q-2 (Fig. 3a) is affected by topo- purifying quartz separates. This process
graphical shielding from an adjacent boul- was done following procedures described
der. So, the production rate at this site was by Kohl & Nishiizumi (1992) and Dunai
corrected according to Dunne et al. (1999), (2000) with minor variations. In order to re-
with a shielding coefficient of 15%. duce nucleogenic Ne concentration we must
The samples were obtained with a rock remove an outer shell of the quartz crystal
drill from bedrock or moraine boulders. We equivalent to the alpha particles penetration
assume that the glacial erosion obliterated depth. Changing chemical etching condi-
the pre-exposure record of cosmic radia- tions (time and reagents concentrations) can
tion. When the samples were collected from improve the procedure yielding, saving more
moraine formations, largest boulders were quartz for the measurement. Final inspec-
selected in order to avoid multiple exposure tion of the etched separates was done under
stages. the binocular microscope. Any quartz grain
32 Fernndez, D., Vidal, J.R and Marti, K. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
showing dots or feldspar intergrowth was re- Conso and Cerveira Rivers. In this stage the
jected for analyses. ice volume was considerably smaller than
To further resolve the remaining nu- the maximum represented by the Castiei-
cleogenic Ne component, as well as trapped ras moraine. The third sample (Q-3) corre-
Ne, the gas was extracted from the quartz sponds to the surface of a roche moutonne
grains using stepwise pyrolysis at tempera- located beneath the Chaguazoso moraine.
tures from 300C to 1200C and melting at In that moment both glaciers kept their in-
1600C. Extraction times were 30 min up to dependent evolution. Finally, another sam-
800C, and 20 min for higher temperatures. ple (Q-4) was taken from a glacial polished
We followed the procedures of Niedermann bedrock in the most inner zone of Glacier of
et al. (1993, 1994) and Niedermann (2000) Conso and corresponds to a late stage in the
in the analyses of Ne by static mass spec- deglaciation.
trometry at Scripps Institution of Oceanog- In Serra do Gers-Xurs (Fig. 4a and b),
raphy-UCSD (La Jolla, U.S.A.). most of the glaciated area is located in the
In Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiro (Fig. Portuguese zone, inside the Natural Park
3a and b) four samples were collected: a of Peneda-Gers, an area with sampling
moraine boulder (Q-2) near Castieiras restriction. So, we had to sample only the
corresponding to the maximum advance Spanish zone, which, as stated before, was
and which should bear the oldest age for affected by the ice during a diffluence stage.
the glaciation of the zone. The following Therefore, the obtained date corresponds
sample corresponds to a moraine boulder to the oldest glacial maximum preserved in
(Q-6) in Turcibao located between 1500 m the zone. Two samples were taken: X-1 in
and 1450 m ASL in the divide between the the same divide of the diffluence col of the
Conso and Cerveira rivers. It was deposit- Vilams River, and X-2 among 3 push mo-
ed when the Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiro raines which correspond to a local glacial
original ice cap separated into two different maximum.
glaciers draining along the present valleys of
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) The glaciation of Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiroe 33
Fig. 4a.
Fig. 4b.
34 Fernndez, D., Vidal, J.R and Marti, K. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Fig. 5.
36 Fernndez, D., Vidal, J.R and Marti, K. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Fig. 6.
Fig. 7.
Production Cosmogenic 21Ne exposure Production Cosmogenic 10Be exposure
Surface
Altitude (m) Latitude () rate 21Ne at 21Ne age rate 10BeNe 10Be age
Sample type
g/a (105 atoms/g) (Ka) at g/a (105 atoms/g) (Ka)
Q-2 (Gd) PM 1210 42.2 57.17 64.12 6.74 155 30
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
15,07
Q-3 (Gd) GP 1294 42.1 51,97 11.68 9.19 22 17 3,43 0,15 23 2
Q-4 (Qtz) GP 1340 42.1 53,96 86.93 3.93 16 7 15.65 2,20 0,16 14 2
Q-6 (Gd) LM 1450 42.1 59,01 49.9 14.1 85 24
X-1 (Gd) GP 1350 41.9 53,72 72.70 9.36 131 31
X-2 (Gd) GP 1150 41.9 49,10 114.61 8.23 231 48
Table 1. Table 1 shows the calculated excess of cosmogenic 21Ne, the measured concentration of cosmogenic 10Be and their corresponding exposure
ages from Serra de Queixa (Q-) and Serra de Xurs (X-) samples. Production rates were scaled according to Dunai scaling factors (2000) and corrected for
topographical shielding when necessary (Q-2). The production rates used were P(10)= 5.51 atom/g.a (Heisinger et al., 2002) and P(21)=19.0 3.7 atom/
g.a (Niedermann, 2000), both at sea level and >60 geomagnetic latitude. 10Be concentrations are referred to NIST 10Be standard. 21Ne blanks were <
5x105 atoms/g. Calculated ages presented in this paper correct those shown in Fernandez Mosquera et al. (2000) due to production rates updating and
shielding correction (Q-2). Samples from Queixa (Q-) were also mislabeled in Fernandez Mosquera et al. (2000), being Q-1 now Q-2, Q-2 now Q-3 and
Q-3 now Q-4. In addition, errors in age uncertainties calculation were detected at Q-2, X-1 and X-2, so corrected uncertainties are shown in this paper.
Gd= granodiorite, Qtz= quartz, PM= push moraine block, LM= lateral moraine, GP= glacial polished surface
The glaciation of Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiroe 37
38 Fernndez, D., Vidal, J.R and Marti, K. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
the deglaciation stage of the sierra. By the phological record. Thus, the geomorpholog-
same time Laguna Grande-As Lamas silting ical data only allowed the establishment of a
begins (13,44 ka B.P.) (Vidal Roman and relative sequence of events. The area affect-
Santos, 1993; Ramil-Rego et al., 1998). ed by the glaciation has been established by
In Serra do Gers-Xurs (Figs 4a and b) direct (micromorphology of lodgement till,
the chronological record is older and reaches morphoscopy of quartz grains at the SEM)
up to marine isotopic stage 8. X-2, 23148 and indirect (presence of regolith, granite
ka B.P. (21Ne), corresponds to a glacial ex- residuals) criteria, these latter exclusive of
pansion with diffluence from the Portuguese non-glaciated zones. The absolute chronol-
zone to the Spanish one (Vidal Roman ogy has been determined by two cosmogenic
et al., 1990 a and b). At that moment the nuclides (10Be and 21Ne) that show a good
maximum thickness of the ice cap should be correlation grade between them. The ages
similar to the ones of Serra de Queixa-Inver- obtained for these massifs are also found in
nadoiro. X-2 is located among 3 morainic other glaciated massifs of Iberia (Pyreneans,
ridges: one corresponding to an advanced Central System) dated by cosmogenics 10Be,
pulsation, and the other two formed in one OSL or by 234U/238U. There also exists a
later pulsation (Brum et al., 1992), though good correlation grade with the cold phases
all of them within the diffluence stage. marked by the marine isotopic stages of the
X-1, 13531 ka B.P. (21Ne), marks the Vostok ice core. Our work allowed us to dis-
end of the diffluence into the Spanish zone, tinguish glacial stages corresponding to 3
and, therefore, the beginning of the degla- different glacial isotopic stages, the age of
ciation, falling into the marine isotopic stage the morainic blocks coinciding with glacial
5e. The oldest sample dated in the Massif of advances and the age of the polish surfaces
Queixa-Invernadoiro would correspond to with deglaciation stages (Petit et al., 1999).
an intermediate stage between X-2 and X-1 The combined use of geomorphological,
in Serra do Gers-Xurs. micromorphological and SEM techniques
Based on our data, the glacial maximum and cosmogenic nuclides was very useful to
in Serra do Gers-Xurs would be the oldest define the glacial dynamics and chronology
date known up to now for the glaciarism in of these small ice caps separated from the
the whole Iberian Peninsula. There exists a main glaciation.
reference of a glaciation in the French Pyre-
nees (Quinif and Maire 1996) with a similar 7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
age (225+14.7/-12.8 ka B.P) determined by
234U/238 from a speleothem. This work has been financed with the
Project CGL2004-06516/BTE of the Minis-
6. CONCLUSIONS try of Education and Science of Spain. We
thank Aurora Grandal for her help in the
The study of the glacial dynamics in two drawing of the figures and Ana Martelli for
areas of the NW Iberia has posed many the translation of the text into English and
challenges for years. The glaciation devel- the writing style corrections. Dr Gonzalo
oped over granitic bedrock with a poor and Vieira and an anonymous reviewer greatly
bad differentiated sedimentary and geomor- contributed to improve the original.
40 Fernndez, D., Vidal, J.R and Marti, K. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
C., Pepin, L., Ritz, C., Saltzman, E. Texier, J.P. and Meireles, J., 2003. Relict
and Stievenard, M., 1999. Climate and mountain slope deposits of northern
atmospheric history of the past 420,000 Portugal and environmental implica-
years from the Vostok ice core, Antarc- tions. Journal of Quaternary Science
tica. Nature, 399, 429-436. 18(2) 133-150.
Quinif, Y. and Maire, R., 1996. Pleistocene Twidale, C.R. and Vidal Roman, J.R., 2005.
deposits in Pierre Saint-Martin Cave, Landforms and geology of granite ter-
French Pyrenees. Quaternary Research, rains. Balkema, Amsterdam, Holanda
49, 37-50. 351 pp.
Ramil-Rego, P., Muoz, C. and Rodrguez Vidal Roman, J.R., Brum, A., Zezere J., Rod-
M.A., 1998. Differences in the vegeta- rigues, L. and Monge, C., 1990a. Evolu-
tion of the North Iberian peninsula dur- cin cuaternaria del relieve grantico en
ing the last 16,000 years. Plant Ecology, la Serra de Gers-Xurs (Minho Portugal
138, 41-62. y Ourense Galicia). Cuaternario y Geo-
Rubio, J. and Rodrguez, L. R., 1981. Mapa morfologa, S.E.G.-A.E.QUA., 4: 3-12.
Geolgico de Espaa escala 1:50.000, Vidal Roman, J.R., Vilaplana, J. M., Brum,
n 227/8-11, Manzaneda. Instituto Ge- A., Zezere, J., Rodrgues, M.L. and
olgico y Minero. Madrid, Spain, 2 se- Monge, C., 1990b. Estudio de los till
rie, 1 edicin. subglaciares de la Serra de Gers-Xu-
Schmidt-Thom, P., 1973. Neue niedrig ge- rs (Minho Portugal Ourense Galicia).
legene zeugen einer wurmeis-zetlichen Cuaternario y Geomorfologa, S.E.G.-
vergletscherung im nordteil der Iber- A.E.QUA., 4, 13-25.
ischen halbinsel. Eizeitalter Und Gegen- Vidal Roman, J.R. and Santos, M.L., 1993.
wart, 24, 384-389. Cronologa relativa del mximo glaciar
Schmidt-Thom, P., 1983. Besonders niedrig finipleistoceno en el sector nor-oriental
gelegene zeugen einer wurmeiszeitlichen de la Serra de Queixa (Ourense Galicia
vereibung in nord-west Spanien und Espaa). Actas 3 Reunio do Qua-
nord Portugal. Spat-imd Postglaziale ternario Ibrico.Coimbra, Portugal.
Gletscherschwankungen Glazial und G.T.P.E.Q.-G.E.T.C., 215-222.
Periglazial Formen. Colloquium, 1980 Vidal Roman, J.R., Santos, L. and Jalut, G.,
Rotterdam. 21, 3-230. 1995. Cronologa relativa del mximo
Soares de Carvalho, G. and Lopes Nunes, glaciar finipleistoceno en el sector Nor-
J., 1981. Comentarios sobre imagens de Oriental de la Serra de Queixa (Ourense,
factos denunciantes de processos glaci- Galicia, Espaa). Actas III Reunin
arios quaternarios nas Serras do Gers del Cuaternario Ibrico, G.T.P.E.Q.-
e da Peneda Portugal. Memorias e Noti- G.E.T.C., 215-222.
cias. 91-92. 164-171. Vidal Roman, J.R., Fernndez, D., Marti,
Teixeira, C. and Cardoso, J.L., 1979. A no K. and De Brum, A., 1999. Nuevos da-
confirmao de fenomenos glacirios nas tos para la cronologa glaciar pleisto-
montanhas do norte de Portugal (Pene- cena en el NW de la Pennsula Ibrica.
da-Gers). Boletim da Sociedade Ge- Cadernos do Laboratorio Xeolxico de
olgica de Portugal. XXI, ll-lll, 163-184. Laxe, 24, 7-29.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) The glaciation of Serra de Queixa-Invernadoiroe 43
Resumen:
En este trabajo se obtienen datos antropolgicos e isotpicos a partir de los restos seos de dos
individuos de edad tardorromana a efectos de reconstruir sus condiciones de vida y las causas
de su muerte. Se trata de dos esqueletos femeninos conservados en el Museo Arqueolxico de A
Corua datados entre los siglos III a VI dC. Se han aplicado tcnicas de antropologa forense para
determinar patologas y lesiones que puedan haber afectado a los individuos estudiados. Para el
estudio de paleodieta, se ha extrado colgeno seo que se analiza mediante espectrometra de masas
de relaciones isotpicas. Las relaciones isotpicas de 13C/12C y 15N/14N obtenidas se comparan con
datos procedentes de otras poblaciones contemporneas. Los perfiles antropolgicos confirman que
se trata de mujeres adultas jvenes, de posible ancestralidad caucsica, con signos de hiponutricin
e infeccin crnica y cuyas seales isotpicas del colgeno muestran una importante contribucin
de los moluscos en su dieta. Estos resultados concuerdan con los datos arqueolgicos disponibles,
reflejando el progresivo empobrecimiento de la ciudad durante la crisis del Bajo Imperio.
46 Grandal-dAnglade, A. et al. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
PALABRAS CLAVE:
Paleodieta, istopos estables, colgeno seo, antropologa Forense, Bajo Imperio Romano,
Brigantium, A Corua.
ABSTRACT:
In this paper we obtain anthropological and isotopic data from the skeletal remains of two
individuals of the late Roman age in order to rebuild their lives and causes of death. These are
two female skeletons preserved in the Archaeological Museum of A Corua dating from III to VI
centuries AD. Forensic anthropology techniques have been applied to identify diseases and injuries
that may have affected the individuals studied. For the palaeodiet study, extracted bone collagen was
analysed by isotope ratios mass spectrometry. The 13C/12C and 15N/14N ratios are compared with data
from other contemporary populations. Anthropological profiles confirm that these are two young
adult females of Caucasian ancestry, with signs of chronic malnutrition and infection. Their isotopic
signature shows a significant contribution of molluscs in their diet. These results are consistent with
the available archaeological data, reflecting the progressive impoverishment of the city during the
crisis of the Lower Empire.
KEY WORDS:
Palaeodiet, stable isotopes, bone collagen, forensic anthropology, Lower Roman Empire, Brigantium,
A Corua.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Vida y muerte de dos mujeres 47
Golfo
ANIA
HISP rtabro
Torre de
Hrcules
Ensenada
del Orzn
Campo da
Estrada
Franja T
A
d
RiAegguoa e
a be
na
R
al s
r
E
Re D
AD
rse
n na
C
es
S
nto
E
Ca
en su aspecto aproximado de
los primeros siglos de nuestra
Era, donde se muestra la
ubicacin de las tumbas de las
que proceden los esqueletos
estudiados y otros lugares
mencionados en el texto.
48 Grandal-dAnglade, A. et al. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Ciudad portuaria que fue mansio de la ciudad, con motivo del 8 centenario
la Va XX per loca maritima del itinerario de la misma. Para ello, se estudiaron
Antoniano, comunicaba directamente con desde el punto de vista antropolgico tres
Lucus Augusti (Lugo), capital del conventus, esqueletos humanos de poca romana.
y con otras capitales como Bracara Augusta Conservados en el Museo Arqueolxico de
y Asturica Augusta, sirviendo como puerto Corua, proceden de diversas excavaciones
de indudable inters en las rutas comerciales arqueolgicas desde el ao 1949 y conservan
al abrigo de las borrascas atlnticas. Dion suficientemente la morfologa craneofacial
Cassio, en su Historia Romana (Libro para ponerles rostro mediante tcnicas de
XXXVII, 52-53) menciona la llegada de Julio reconstruccin facial y reconstruir su vida y
Csar a la poblacin, en el ao 61 a. C. La su muerte mediante anlisis antropolgico-
ciudad romana comienza a ser importante forenses (Serrulla & Gmez, 2008).
en la poca Flavia, a finales del siglo I y El objetivo principal de este trabajo
durante el siglo II d. C., cuando se construye consiste en aportar nuevos datos sobre estos
el Faro conocido como Torre de Hrcules, individuos relacionados con su estilo de
an en funcionamiento y declarado por la vida. Se trata del estudio de la paleodieta
UNESCO Patrimonio de la Humanidad. de estos humanos mediante el anlisis de
Se ha propuesto tambin que el crecimiento istopos estables del colgeno seo. Este
urbano respondi no slo a la actividad anlisis es una herramienta ampliamente
comercial sino a haber servido de puerto utilizada para obtener inferencias ecolgicas
base para el avituallamiento de las legiones de los mamferos extintos (dieta, fisiologa,
destacadas en Britania (Bello Diguez, etc.) proporcionando adems datos
2009; Lpez Prez, 2010a). Durante el siglo paleoambientales sobre el medio fsico
IV Brigantium debi de seguir siendo un donde vivieron (Tieszen y Bouton, 1989;
puerto importante en las rutas del imperio. Koch, 1998; Hedges et al., 2004). Entre los
Es mencionada por Paulo Orosio (Histori ms utilizados se encuentran los istopos
adversvm Paganos) como uno de los tres del carbono y del nitrgeno contenidos en el
ngulos de Hispania, pues considera que la colgeno preservado en el tejido seo.
forma de la pennsula es triangular, siendo En los ltimos aos se han empleado
uno de sus vrtices Brigantium, que levanta insistentemente en el estudio de la
en la direccin de Bretaa un altsimo faro. composicin de la dieta humana en el pasado,
A partir del siglo IV, sin embargo, la ciudad siendo cada vez ms abundantes los datos de
se retrae, hasta el punto de desaparecer de Neandertales, de humanos modernos paleo
las crnicas escritas durante varios siglos y mesolticos, de yacimientos Neoltico o
(Naveiro Lpez, 1994; Bello Diguez, 1995). de distintos pueblos de pocas ya histricas
(Bronce, Hierro, romanizacin, edad
1.2. Objetivos del trabajo media, etc.). Mediante estos estudios se han
determinado unos patrones de alimentacin
Este estudio tiene su origen en la cambiantes a lo largo del tiempo (Lubell et
iniciativa del Ayuntamiento de la ciudad al., 1994; Schoeller, 1999; Richards, 2002;
de A Corua de poner rostro a los restos Tykot, 2003; Hedges & Reynard, 2007) que
humanos ms antiguos conservados de sern discutidos ms adelante.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Vida y muerte de dos mujeres 49
Tabla 1. Resultados del anlisis isotpico del colgeno seo de MAC-110 y MAC-4414. El rendimiento de la
extraccin se expresa en miligramos de colgeno por gramo de hueso. %C col y %N col son los porcentajes de
C y N en el colgeno. C/N at es la relacin atmica entre C y N. Valores de 13C (referidos al estndar PDB)
y 15N (referidos al nitrgeno atmosfrico) se expresan en .
4.2. Estudio de paleodieta mediante anlisis anlisis isotpico sea vlido. Lgicamente, el
de istopos estables hueso fsil no conserva su colgeno intacto,
sino que siempre sufre prdidas, pero
4.2.1. Calidad de la extraccin interesa determinar si esas prdidas pueden
falsear los valores isotpicos. Tambin es
Los resultados del anlisis isotpico necesario saber si el proceso de extraccin
realizado a las muestras seas de los de colgeno se ha realizado con xito. Para
individuos MAC-110 y MAC-4414 comprobar la calidad del colgeno extrado
se presentan en la Tabla 1. En los dos se aplican tres criterios de calidad:
individuos estudiados los valores de 15N y a) El rendimiento de la extraccin.
13C varan ligeramente, pero se encuentran Se mide en miligramos de colgeno por
dentro de los lmites normales para la gramo de hueso, generalmente expresado
especie humana. como porcentaje. El hueso fresco contiene
Resulta fundamental poder constatar aproximadamente un 22% de colgeno, pero
que el colgeno est bien preservado sin para el hueso fsil se aceptan proporciones
contaminaciones o prdida de alguno de inferiores, hasta un lmite de 3,5% (Van
sus constituyentes para que el resultado del Klinken, 1999). El mtodo de extraccin
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Vida y muerte de dos mujeres 55
utilizado en este trabajo ofrece en ambos fotosntesis. El CO2 del aire presenta valores
casos valores superiores al valor lmite. isotpicos 13C en torno al -8 . Las plantas,
b) Las proporciones de carbono y al tomar ese CO2, discriminan en contra
nitrgeno en el colgeno extrado. Los del istopo pesado, por lo que sus valores
valores medios en hueso fresco son de isotpicos estarn en general empobrecidos
aproximadamente un 35 % de C y entre con respecto al CO2 del aire. Sin embargo, en
11 y 16% de N. Para los fsiles se aceptan la incorporacin de ese carbono existe una
porcentajes no inferiores al 13% para el C diferencia importante entre las plantas C3
y al 5% para el N (Ambrose, 1990; De Niro, (especies arbreas y arbustivas de cualquier
1985). Algunos autores prefieren considerar zona, y herbceas de climas templados) y las
slo aquellas muestras con valores similares C4 (herbceas tropicales, entre ellas el maz,
a los del colgeno fresco (Van Klinken, la caa de azcar o el mijo), de manera que
1999, Bocherens et al., 2005a), como es el las primeras presentan valores de 13C entre
caso de las dos muestras analizadas. -25 y -28, mientras que los valores en
c) La relacin atmica C/N en el las segundas fluctan entre -14 y -12,
colgeno. En colgeno fresco esta relacin aproximadamente (OLeary, 1981; Van der
flucta entre 2,9 y 3,6 y esta es la proporcin Merwe, 1982).
que debe presentar el colgeno fsil para que Adems, ciertos parmetros ambientales
se pueda considerar bien preservado (De como la densidad de la cubierta arbrea,
Niro, 1985). Nuevamente, como se observa la temperatura y la humedad del medio
en la Tabla 1, el criterio de calidad se cumple tambin influyen en los valores isotpicos
en las dos muestras estudiadas. del carbono en los vegetales (Bocherens y
Drucker, 2003a; Drucker et al., 2008). Los
4.2.2. Consideraciones sobre las fuentes de valores isotpicos de los vegetales se reflejan
variacin de los valores isotpicos a su vez en los tejidos de los herbvoros, en
los que el fraccionamiento isotpico produce
Para la interpretacin de los valores un enriquecimiento en el istopo pesado
obtenidos en el estudio isotpico del con respecto a la dieta, aunque las diferentes
colgeno de ambos individuos es necesario rutas de sntesis de esos tejidos producen
tener en cuenta cules son los rangos de valores diferentes segn el tejido analizado.
valores de las fuentes alimentarias y cmo El colgeno seo responde a las variaciones
stos varan segn distintos parmetros observadas en protenas y su enriquecimiento
ambientales. final con respecto a los vegetales de la dieta
La composicin isotpica relativa del es de aproximadamente el 5 (Ambrose
carbono (13C) en los vegetales, como base de y Norr, 1993). Posteriormente en cada
la cadena trfica, depende directamente del paso de la cadena trfica la variacin es de
tipo de plantas. En el medio terrestre hay dos aproximadamente + 1.
grupos principales (plantas C3 y plantas C4) La composicin relativa de los istopos
que se diferencian en sus rutas fotosintticas del nitrgeno (15N) en el colgeno de los
y por lo tanto en la manera de incorporar el mamferos se relaciona directamente con su
carbono a sus tejidos. Las plantas toman el posicin en el seno de la cadena alimentaria,
carbono del aire en forma de CO2 durante la pues cada nivel trfico sobre el de herbvoro
56 Grandal-dAnglade, A. et al. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
20
peces de mar
peces de ro
15
crustceos Fig. 2. Seales isotpicas que
se produciran en el colgeno
15 N
16 20 10 0 10 20
o
ic
60
nt
l
At
no
14
a
Oc
ia
timinus
Dorset
Vel
Poundbury
a
50
r
Sac
Le p
A Corua
12
Isola
15 N
Isola
Sacra
Velia
M e Mar 40
d it e r r
neo
10
0 300 600 Km Leptiminus
Dorse
ry
db u
t
Dorset
un
8
MAC- 140
Po
Isola Sacra
Poundbury MAC- 4414
Leptiminus
Velia
6
-21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16
13 C
Fig. 3. Valores isotpicos de los individuos MAC-110 y MAC-4414 y otras poblaciones de edad romana
tomadas de la literatura (Ver Tabla 2).
Tipo de alimentacin
Necrpolis Localizacin Edad Bibliografa
inferida
mixta, con abundan-
Isola Sacra Ostia, Italia siglo II AD Prowse et al., 2004
cia de pescado
mixta, con menor
Velia Sur de Italia siglos I a II AD Craig et al., 2009
consumo de pescado
muy rica en pescado,
Keenleyside et al.,
Leptiminus Tnez Siglos II a V AD en proporcin cre-
2009
ciente
Dorset (diversos Costa sur de Gran Aporte de pescado Redfern et al.,
Siglo II a V AD
yacimientos) Bretaa escaso 2010
Costa sur de Gran Aporte de pescado Richards et al.,
Poundbury Camp Siglo IV AD
Bretaa importante 1998
Tabla 2. Datos de los yacimientos de cronologa similar con estudios de paleodieta mediante istopos estables
utilizados como referencia en este estudio.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Vida y muerte de dos mujeres 59
La muestra de Isola Sacra procede de una Hierro, cuyos valores isotpicos muestran
necrpolis romana del siglo II situado en la una elevada proporcin de alimentos
costa mediterrnea. Estos romanos costeros vegetales y ganadera, sin apenas indicios
muestran una alimentacin mixta con de consumo de pescado de mar (Richards et
abundancia de productos de origen marino al., 1998; Jay, 2008). En los yacimientos de
(Prowse et al., 2004). En Velia, localidad Dorset la diferencia en aporte de pescado
situada unos 400 km al sur de Isola Sacra, entre los pobladores de la edad del Hierro y
pero tambin en la costa, se ha observado los romanizados apenas es notoria (Redfer
un rango mayor de tipos de alimentos, pero et al., 2010).
en general un menor consumo de pescado, El individuo MAC-110 presenta unos
como indican sus bajos valores medios valores isotpicos intermedios entre los
de 15N (Craig et al., 2009). Los datos de valores medios de Isola Sacra y Poundbury.
Leptiminus (Tnez), de cuatro necrpolis Podramos suponer una alimentacin con
de edades comprendidas entre los siglos II poco aporte vegetal, mientras que la protena
y V indican un consumo de pescado elevado animal provendra de la carne y alimentos
y creciente en el tiempo (Keenleyside et al., marinos en un nivel bajo de la escala trfica,
2009). como sera el caso de los moluscos.
En la zona atlntica se han realizado MAC-4414 presenta un valor de
estudios en algunos poblados romanos 13C desplazado hacia valores menos
de Gran Bretaa, entre los que incluimos negativos, y queda fuera de las categoras
los de Dorset (Redfer et al., 2010) y dietarias observadas en los yacimientos
Poundbury (Richards et al., 1998). La de edad romana. Podra suponerse que
principal diferencia observada entre estos el desplazamiento en los valores de 13C
conjuntos y los mediterrneos radica en estara relacionado con el consumo de
una marcada diferencia en los valores plantas C4, como el mijo, pero sus valores
isotpicos del carbono, ms negativos de 15N son demasiado elevados, adems
en los yacimientos britnicos, que se ha de que el mijo no es un cultivo corriente en
achacado a una diferencia de entre 1 y 2 la Galicia romana (Surez Pieiro, 2004).
ya en la base de la cadena trfica entre De la combinacin de valores isotpicos
las zonas situadas ms al sur de Europa y podemos deducir ms bien una abundancia
las ms norteas (Richards & Van Klinken, de moluscos en la dieta, como fue observada
1997; Heaton, 1999). Adems, los valores en algunas poblaciones histricas costeras
de 15N de los yacimientos ingleses no (Tauber, 1986; Kosiba et al., 2007).
alcanzan valores tan elevados como los El consumo de moluscos como
ms altos de Isola Sacra o los del siglo V complemento alimentario est bien
de Leptiminus. Sin embargo los valores de documentado en los yacimientos
Poundbury son interpretados como reflejo prehistricos, sobre todo desde el Mesoltico.
de una alimentacin con cierta proporcin La presencia de numerosos concheros
de alimentos de origen marino, sobre todo en localidades costeras es un ejemplo de
cuando se comparan con los obtenidos a este consumo (Bailey, 1978; Richards &
partir de individuos del mismo yacimiento Hedges, 1999). Los moluscos suponen
u otros cercanos, pero de la Edad del una fuente de protena de digestibilidad
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GONTAREVA, E.F.1, ANSARI, M.K.2, RUBAN, D.A.3,4,5*, AHMAD, M.2 & SINGH, T.N.2
(1) Tourism Program, Higher School of Business, Southern Federal University, 23-ja linija Street 43,
Rostov-na-Donu, 344019, Russia
(2) Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076,
India
(3) Department of Tourism, Higher School of Business, Southern Federal University, 23-ja linija Street
43, Rostov-na-Donu, 344019, Russia
(4) International Agency for Minerals Policy (MinPol), Austria
(5) contact address: P.O. Box 7333, Rostov-na-Donu, 344056, Russia; ruban-d@mail.ru
* corresponding author
Abstract
International development for the both geoconservation and geotourism requires attention to all
kinds of (potential) geological heritage. The Ajanta Caves (western Maharashtra, India) is a famous
cultural object consisting of 30 caves carved in the Deccan Traps and inscribed to the UNESCO
list of the World Heritage Sites. Its examination permits to indicate four geological features, which
are the artificial caves themselves (these mark geological activity of the man in the historical past),
the end-Cretaceous flood basalts (these demonstrate the emplacement of Large Igneous Province
and the relevant palaeoenvironmental catastrophe), the gorge of the Waghora River (this is
peculiar landform resulted from the river erosion of hard rocks), and the rockfall hazard (this is
an interesting engineering geological phenomenon linked to the caves construction/maintenance).
Geological heritage value of these features is argued. Unfortunately, there is not any geotourism
activity at the Ajanta Caves presently. The content analysis of the principal on-line resources (web
pages) devoted to this cultural site reveals the absence of sufficient geological information that would
68 Gontareva, E.F et al. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
facilitate geotourism. Generally, judgements about the Ajanta Caves and the other similar sites in
the geological dimension permit to consider the wide spectrum of the geological heritage. They also
highlight some extra opportunities for geotourism, which can benefit by its development at cultural
sites with thousands of visitors.
Key words: Ajanta Caves; Deccan basalts; Geological heritage; Geotourism; World Heritage Site.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Geological dimension of the cultural heritage 69
GEOLOGICAL FEATURES AND THEIR tire cave ensemble. The attempted extrac-
HERITAGE VALUE tion of basalts linked to excavation of the
Ajanta Caves was really huge, and this fact
The most striking geological feature to confirms the idea of humans as geological-
be recognized at the Ajanta Caves World scale agents (Hooke, 2000; Wilkinson, 2005;
Heritage Site is the caves themselves. The Goudie, 2013). Moreover, the cave excava-
excavation of 30 caves with the maximum tion is a very peculiar example of the geo-
length of >35 m (see physical parameters in logical/geomorphological activity of the
the catalogue of the caves provided by the man, because it differs from the types of this
Archaeological Survey of India at http:// activity (mining, quarrying, etc.) that are
asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_ajanta.asp) in commonly mentioned in discussions of the
hard basalts reflects voluminous geologi- anthropogenic influences on the geological
cal/geomorphological activity of the man environment (e.g., Goudie, 2013). Evidently,
in the historical past (Fig. 2). According to the Ajanta Caves can be used efficiently by
the classification of Ruban (2010) and Ru- geologists/geomorphologists for the pur-
ban & Kuo (2010), the caves can be judged poses of demonstration of how strongly
geohistorical feature. Its international geo- past civilizations could alter the geological
logical heritage value is evident because of environment and what were their abilities of
the above-mentioned huge size of the en- construction of new landforms.
The other important geological feature of the Deccan Plateau (Ansari et al., 2014)
is the rocks, in which the Ajanta Caves were that were emplaced at the CretaceousPale-
excavated. These are the flood basalts (traps) ogene transition (Courtillot & Renne, 2003;
72 Gontareva, E.F et al. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Baksi, 2014). These basalts are of outstand- cellent accessibility and the appropriate con-
ing interest because of two reasons. Firstly, servation of the Ajanta Caves, as well as the
they are typical products of the mantle good visibility of outcropped basalts make
plume activity resulted in the appearance this site ideal for explanation of the Dec-
of a large igneous province (LIP) of huge can flood basalt volcanism and the relevant
size in the end of the Mesozoic Era (Wig- palaeoenvironmental perturbations. This
nall, 2001; Abbott & Isley, 2002; Courtillot consideration permits to conclude about
& Renne, 2003; Jerram & Widdowson, 2005; the regional-to-national geological heritage
Courtillot, 2007; Baksi, 2014). Secondly, value of the igneous rocks from the Ajanta
the emplacement of this LIP is considered Caves World Heritage Site.
among the main possible triggers of the end- Of interest is the deep gorge of the me-
Cretaceous global environmental crisis and andering Waghora River, which is a peculiar
the relevant mass extinction that devastated geomorphological feature. On the one hand,
both continental and marine ecosystems it permits to see deep river erosion of hard
and marked the end of ammonites and di- rocks (basalts). On the other hand, the gorge
nosaurs (Hallam & Wignall, 1997; Keller, has a spectacular horseshoe shape (Fig. 3).
2003; Courtillot, 2007; Keller et al., 2008) Additionally, cave excavation changed the
(see Alvarez (2008) and Vajda & Bercovici natural landform and added artificial ele-
(2014) for alternative explanation of this ments to it, and these changes are really im-
catastrophe). Undoubtedly, there are many pressive (see also above). These seem to be
geological localities in India with the expo- enough to judge about the Ajanta Caves as
sures of the Deccan traps. However, the ex- a local geomorphosite.
geological processes at important cultural have made the Ajanta Cave an ideal site for
sites should be treated as something specific such rockfall studies. Slope processes are
because of their possible links to rock mas- also of interest because of the implemented
sif weakness resulted from the construc- mitigation strategy, which is specific at the
tion/maintenance of these sites and also World Heritage Sites (at least, slope protec-
because of significant possible damage or tion structures should be efficient, but they
total lost of unique cultural objects. Thus, should not distract attention of visitors
the investigations of Ansari et al. (2014) from the site itself - see Fig. 4).
Fig. 4. Structure erected for slope protection at the Ajanta Caves World Heritage Site. It is designed ideally
to avoid distraction of visitors attention from the site itself, this structure looks similarly to authentic natural
(basalts) and artificial (caves) features.
ON-LINE GEOTOURIST RESOURCES the big geotourism potential of this World
Heritage Site. Although geotourism activ-
The presence of four geological features ity is lacking there, on-line resources would
(geohistorical, igneous, geomorphological, permit visitors to learn about the geologi-
and engineering geological) at the Ajanta cal importance of this site in addition to
Caves that are all of heritage value highlight its outstanding cultural essence. Five main
74 Gontareva, E.F et al. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
web resources that can serve as the main SANTRONIX Group (http://ajantacaves.
sources of the knowledge about the Ajanta com/) informs about granite layers, although
Caves for tourists are provided by the UN- these are basalt layers in fact (GSI, 2001).
ESCO (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242), Generally, what has been found on the noted
the Archaeological Survey of India (http:// web pages is not enough to judge these pages
asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_ajanta.asp), the sufficient geotourist resources.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Cor-
poration Ltd. (http://www.maharashtra- DISCUSSION
tourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/Maharash-
traTourism/TouristDelight/Caves/Caves. Why judgements of the cultural heritage
aspx?strpage=AjantaCaves.html), the Sa- in the geological dimension are necessary? In
cred Destinations (http://www.sacred-des- our opinion, they permit to extend the un-
tinations.com/india/ajanta-caves), and the derstanding of the geological heritage. The
SANTRONIX Group (http://ajantacaves. example of the Ajanta Caves demonstrates
com/). All are very informative with regard that some geological phenomena with herit-
to the location of the site, its history, cul- age value can be found in purely artificial
tural heritage, conservation activities, and objects. If so, is it not a new form of the
tourism opportunities. Unfortunately, none geological heritage?! It seems to be sensible
of them pay direct attention to geological to note that Panizza & Piacente (2009) went
features that one can observe together with so far to conclude about the importance of
the cultural heritage objects. cultural aspects to the wide definition of
Indirect indications on geological features geodiversity.
are available in the noted web resources, but Determination of the geological features
they are too few and dispersed among the in the Ajanta Cave provides extra opportu-
other information. For instance, the UN- nities with regard to tourism. The annual
ESCO web page (http://whc.unesco.org/en/ number of visitors of this well-accessible
list/242) allows downloads of some official site is very large and reaches hundreds of
documents, where the local geology is ex- thousands per year (see statistics at http://
plained briefly. Although it is unlikely that whc.unesco.org/en/list/242). Their interest
potential visitors will read these documents and satisfaction can be increased via diver-
with attention, volcanic lava (a bit awful sification of excursions by merging cultural
term) of the Deccan Plateau is also men- and geological experience. And, vice versa,
tioned on the web page itself. The gorge of geotourism can also benefit from the latter.
the Waghora River as a peculiar landform This activity grows rapidly, but still needs
is considered in several web resources (e.g., significant progress on the international
see http://ajantacaves.com/). And, of course, scale (Hose, 2000; Dowling & Newsome,
physical parameters of the caves and the 2010; Hose & Vasiljevi, 2012). If visits to
methods of their excavation (these permit to the World Heritage Sites is so important
envisage the geological/geomorphological ac- driver of the global tourism (Yang et al.,
tivity of the past civilizations) are mentioned 2010; Poria et al., 2013; Su & Lin, 2014),
here and there. Some geologically-wrong in- explanation of geological peculiarities at
formation is also found. The web page of the such sites may help to promote geotourism.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Geological dimension of the cultural heritage 75
Migon (2009) also considered the opportu- age objects may have recognizable geologi-
nity of enhancing geotourism via its develop- cal features, some of which are of geological
ment at such cultural heritage sites as Petra heritage value. Coupled with the earlier-
in Jordan. Geotourism development can be made similar conclusion on the other world-
achieved by the local authorities and the in- famous cultural heritage site, namely Petra
ternational community of specialists in geo- in Jordan (Migon, 2009), the significance of
conservation and geotourism. The situation the cultural objects for the purposes of geo-
with the geological information on the Ajan- conservation and geotourism appears evi-
ta Caves World Heritage Site available on-line dent. Some efforts for further promotion of
(see above) indicates how much should be the Ajanta Caves as a geotourist destination
done yet to promote geotourism at this site. are necessary, because the geological infor-
However, presentation of sufficient geologi- mation about this UNESCO World Herit-
cal knowledge on the already-available web age Site (at least, presented by the principal
pages will be an easy task. This would permit on-line resources) is insufficient.
to faciliate geotourism development at the The attempted study stresses the general
studied site because of the high importance importance of judgements about the cultur-
of on-line resources for tourists. Excursion al heritage in the geological dimension. If
guides training (e.g. rise of their awareness of so, it seems to be both urgent and interesting
the geological heritage linked to the Ajanta to analyze the geoconservation and geotour-
Caves) seems to be also helpful. The noted ism potential of the other cultural sites of
tasks can be achieved via the activity of local, the world.
national, and/or international geoconserva-
tion/geotourism organizations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Two additional remarks on tourism ac-
tivities in the Ajanta Caves are necessary. The authors gratefully thank J.R. Vidal
Firstly, full consideration of the geological Roman (Spain) for his editorial support, as
context of this site may enhance understand- well as T.A. Hose (UK), I.-M. Neche (Ro-
ing of the visitors emotion and satisfaction. mania), W. Riegraf (Germany), and the oth-
We hypothesize that artificial caves may be so er colleagues for their help with literature.
attractive also by analogy with natural caves.
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Cadernos Lab. Xeolxico de Laxe
Corua. 2015. Vol. 38, pp. 79 - 92 ISSN: 0213-4497
Abstract
Granite can be a rock with significative radioactivity levels due to its content in radioisotopes of K,
U e Th. The Braga granite has been extensively used from the past in historical buildings of this city
in North Portugal. A gamma radiation assessment has been made in quarry samples of the Braga
granite with different weathering degree, in order to assess radiation risks in historical buildings,
derived from their content in radionuclides. The specific activities of radioisotopes in 238U and 232Th
decay chains and radioactive 40K were measured by gamma spectrometry on samples with different
weathering degree. The results were used to calculate the gamma building index (I; EU technical
guidance RP112) a other indices to estimate the radiological hazard of the rock as building material.
Specific activities are above world averages and all the samples have Ig >1 (the threshold that implies
specific studies for building materials). This result can be especially relevant for historical building
where this granite is used as bulk material.
80 Lima, M., Alves, C. and Sanjurjo-Snchez, J. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Agradecimiento
La Fundao para a Cincia e a Tecnologia de Portugal financia las Unidades de Investigacin
Lab2PT - Landscape, Heritage and Territory Laboratory y el Centro de Investigao Geolgica,
Ordenamiento e Valorizao de Recursos (este ltimo por los proyectos PEst-OE/CTE/UI0697/2011
and PEst-OE/CTE/UI0697/2014).
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Radiacin gamma en rocas usadas 81
ita, xentimo y circn, en concentraciones stir en un granitoide est determinada por sus
superiores a 1000 ppm, o en proporciones minerales portadores, que en muchos grani-
traza en otros minerales. Los procesos de tos son accesorios (circn, esfena, xentimo)
meteorizacin pueden liberar Th por desa- pudiendo contener hasta un 85% del U.
gregacin o puede quedar retenido en xi- Los procesos geolgicos asociados a zo-
dos-hidrxidos de Fe y Ti o en arcillas. nas de cizalla pueden provocar el enriquec-
El K aparece sobre todo en feldespatos imiento o empobrecimiento en radioelemen-
(principalmente ortoclasa y microclina con tos en rocas, dependiendo de si el cizallami-
un 13% de potasio) y micas (biotita y mos- ento es frgil o dctil. El histrico de cris-
covita contienen alrededor de 8% en K). Es talizacin y los procesos de meteorizacin
relativamente abundante en rocas flsicas hidrotermal tambin pueden afectar a la
y escaso en las mficas (Dickson & Scott, distribucin de los radionclidos en rocas
1997). Durante la meteorizacin puede ser gneas (Sroor et al, 2002). La formacin de
incorporado o absorbido en arcillas como la microbrechas en rocas sujetas a procesos
illita o la montmorillonita. de deformacin ductil-frgil puede crear
caminos a travs de los cuales los fluidos
1.2. Geoqumica de radionclidos en enriquecidos en radionclidos se mueven y
Granitos subsecuentemente se depositan en rocas en-
cajantes (Moura et al., 2011).
Las rocas formadas en los ltimos es-
tados de implementacin gnea, como peg- 1.3. Comportamiento de los radioistopos en
matitas y aplitas retienen valores elevados de rocas
K y bajos de U y Th. Las rocas alcalinas estn
mas enriquecidas en Th que en U. Las rocas En las series de desintegracin de U y Th
sedimentarias presentan una concentracin existen varios elementos que producen radi-
en radionucleidos que refleja la roca que los acin gamma de forma significativa (con en-
origina por lo que su contenido en U, Th y erga e intensidad suficiente) como para ser
K es muy variable. Sin embargo, en las rocas estimada su actividad por espectrometra
metamrficas, se considera que el metamorfis- gamma (IAEA, 2003). En rocas no altera-
mo no afecta al contenido en radioelementos, das, estas series se encontrarn en estado de
aunque el contenido en U y Th tiende a dis- equilibrio al ser sistemas cerrados. Si una
minuir con el grado de metamorfismo de fa- serie con un istopo padre de vida larga no
cies apidoto-amfiblicas, para la facies gran- se ve perturbada durante un tiempo aproxi-
ultica. El rtio Th/U disminuye al aumentar madamente 8 veces superior al perodo de
la temperatura y la presin (Heier, 1975). vida media del istopo hijo con mayor vida
En general, se considera que las rocas media, se considera que ambos miembros de
granticas presentan valores elevados de U y la serie se desintegran a la misma tasa y por
Th, debido al magma que los origina, a mov- lo tanto estn en equilibrio. La prdida o
imientos tectnicos asociados a su gnesis y a movilizacin de algunos de estos elementos
que las rocas generadas en la corteza suelen ocasiona un desequilibrio, que raramente
estar enriquecidas en radioelementos (Moura ocurre en la serie del Th (232Th) pero puede
et al., 2011). La cantidad de U que puede exi- ser frecuente en la serie del 238U. (tabla 1).
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Radiacin gamma en rocas usadas 83
238
U serie 232
Th Serie
Isotope Vida media Desintegracin Isotope Vida media Desintegracin
238
U 4.468x109 aos alpha 232
Th 1.405x1010 aos alpha
234
Th 24.1 das beta 228
Ra 5.75 aos beta
234
Pa 1.17 min beta 228
Ac 6.25 horas beta
234
U 2.48x10 aos5
alpha 228
Th 1.916 aos alpha
230
Th 7.7x104 aos alpha 224
Ra 3.6319 das alpha
226
Ra 1600 aos alpha 220
Rn 55.6 das alpha
222
Rn 3.82 das alpha 216
Po 0.145 seg alpha
218
Po 3.05 min alpha 212
Pb 10.64 horas beta
214
Pb 26.8 min beta 212
Bi 60.55 min alpha+beta
214
Bi 19.8 min beta 212
Po 299 nseg alpha
214
Po 162 seg alpha 208
Tl 3.053 min beta
210
Pb 22.3 aos beta 208
Pb estable .
210
Bi 5.01 das beta
210
Po 138.4 das alpha
206
Pb estable
Tabla 1. Principales istopos de la serie de desintegracin del 238U y 232Th, vida media y tipos de desintegracin.
Como ejemplo, en la serie del 238U, uno 3. RADIACTIVIDAD EN MATERIALES
de sus istopos hijos es fcilmente movili- DE CONSTRUCCIN
zado y lavado debido a su solubilidad ya
que la desintegracin de 238U a 234Th ori- El uso de materiales ptreos en la con-
gina una ruptura en el cristal del que el 238U struccin puede derivar en una elevada ex-
formaba parte y quedando los istopos posicin a radiacin gamma e incluso Rn
hijos subsiguientes libres. Otros istopos en el interior de construcciones, debido a
hijos como el 226Ra tambin son fcilmente la elevada radiactividad de los materiales.
movilizados y lavados mientras que el 222Rn, Para estimar la dosis gamma efectiva en el
originado por su desintegracin, se pierde interior de una construccin se considera un
fcilmente por emanacin al ser un gas, so- coeficiente de conversin de dosis absorbida
bre todo dependiendo de la porosidad de en el aire y un factor de ocupacin del in-
la roca, que aumenta con la meteorizacin. terior. La UNSCEAR (2000) considera que
De hecho, el 226Ra es el istopo considerado el coeficiente de conversin es de 0.7 Sv/Gy
como radiolgicamente mas importante, y mientras que el factor de ocupacin es de
se utiliza incluso como referencia en lugar 0.8 (que corresponde al 80% del tiempo de
del U (Kovler, 2007). En general se consid- vida que se pasa en la vivienda, considerado
era que las concentraciones medias de Ra, adecuado para pases industrializados y de
Th y K en la corteza terrestre son de 40 Bq/ climas templados). La dosis efectiva anual
kg, 40 Bq/kg y 400 Bq/kg, respectivamente media a nivel mundial es de 0.48 mSv siendo
(EC, 1999). el rango de 0,3-0,6 mSv.
84 Lima, M., Alves, C. and Sanjurjo-Snchez, J. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la muestras del granito de Braga, tras una
radiactividad gamma del granito de Braga primera estimacin de la meteorizacin uti-
como material de construccin. Dado que lizando sus variaciones cromticas, observa-
su uso durante la historia de la ciudad ha bles desde un punto de vista macroscpico,
sido extenso, en la actualidad existe una dado que se observa un cambio de color de
gran cantidad de estructuras histricas en la roca hacia el amarillo en los grados 1 y 2.
las que ha sido utilizado este tipo de roca, Para un anlisis mas objetivo del grado
lo que implica la necesidad de evaluar la de meteorizacin, se realizaron medidas de
exposicin del pblico a la radiactividad porosidad por medio del coeficiente de abs-
gamma, tanto en viviendas como en zonas orcin de agua. Despus de preparar probe-
de trabajo situados en el rea monumen- tas de roca correspondientes a los 5 estados
tal de la ciudad. Para ello, se ha estimado de meteorizacin observados en afloramien-
la actividad de varios radioistopos en tos y en una cantera, estas se secaron en es-
muestras de granito de 5 grados de mete- tufa. Una vez secas se sumergieron en agua
orizacin y se han utilizado los datos para desionizada y se midi su masa tras 72 ho-
calcular el ndice gamma para materiales de ras, encontrndose las muestras saturadas
construccin (gamma building index o I) de agua. Para determinar el coeficiente de
recomendado por la Guia Tcnica de la UE absorcin de agua a presin atmosfrica se
(RP112) para el control legal de materiales utiliz la ecuacin (1):
de construccin (EC, 1999). Adems, se han
calculado otros dos parmetros utilizados Ab=(m5-md)x100/md (1)
para estimar la peligrosidad radiolgica
de los materiales como son la Actividad siendo ms la masa saturada y md la masa
equivalente promedio de Radio (Raeq) y la de la muestra seca.
dosis equivalente anual gonadal (AGED).
5.2. Espectrometra gamma
5. MATERIAL Y MTODOS
Para el anlisis de la actividad de is-
El estudio realizado en este trabajo com- topos de las series de U, Th y K se secaron
prende dos partes: un anlisis estimativo de en estufa las muestras y se molieron hasta
la meteorizacin de diferentes muestras del obtener un tamao de grano menor de 63
granito de Braga y una anlisis de actividad micras. Una vez molidas se calcinaron a
de los istopos de U, Th y K o radioisto- 450C para eliminar cualquier presencia de
pos de sus correspondientes series de desin- materia orgnica que pudiese haber en la su-
tegracin (Ra). perficie de las muestras o haber penetrado
su interior. Las muestras fueron selladas du-
5.1. Estimacin del grado de meteorizacin rante 25 das hasta alcanzar el equilibrado
del Rn y luego se realizaron los anlisis de
Como es conocido, la meteorizacin dis- las muestras mediante un detector de semi-
minuye la resistencia mecnica y cohesin conductor de Germanio tipo coaxial marca
de las rocas. Esta caracterstica fue utilizada CANBERRA modelo GR6022. Este detec-
para estimar la meteorizacin de diferentes tor de radiacin gamma se encuentra dentro
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Radiacin gamma en rocas usadas 87
de los radionclidos que emiten radiacin mente. El mximo valor de Raeq en mate-
gamma presentes en los materiales evalu- riales de construccin no debe sobrepasar
ados. Las lneas maestras de la Comisin los 370 Bq/kg para un uso seguro, man-
Europea (RP-112) constituyen el primer tenindose as la dosis externa por debajo de
documento publicado (EC, 1999) que esta- 1,5mSv/a (Serena, 2006).
blece una serie de principios de proteccin El ndice conocido como AGED (an-
radiolgica respecto a la radiacin gamma nual gonadal equivalent dose) se basa en el
natural (externa e interna) en materiales de potencial peligro que supone la radiacin
construccin (Moharram et al., 2011). Esta gamma recibida en ciertos rganos. Las
88 Lima, M., Alves, C. and Sanjurjo-Snchez, J. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
gnadas, la mdula sea activa y las clu- paredes de espesor infinito, lo que permite
las de la superficie de los huesos son con- comparar el AGED con una casa que con-
siderados rganos de inters para el UN- tiene concentraciones de 226Ra, 232Th y 40K
SCEAR (1988). La dosis equivalente anual similares a las del promedio mundial en sue-
gonadal para los residentes en una casa o los (Arafa, 2004).
trabajadores en un determinado edificio o
ambiente en el cual existen materiales de 6. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIN
construccin con una cierta concentracin
de radionclidos se calcula a travs de la ex- La absorcin de agua en las muestras de
presin (4): granito mostr una muy baja porosidad en
las muestras con menor grado de alteracin
AGED (Sv/a) = 3,09CRa + 4,18CTh + 0,314CK (4) (1 y 2), algo mayor e la muestra afectada por
una meteorizacin intermedia (3) y creciente
siendo 3,09, 4,18 y 0,314 los factores de en las muestras mas alteradas (4-5). En la
conversin para 226Ra, 232Th y 40K, respec- tabla 2 se pueden observar los resultados.
tivamente. El modelo considerado en este Por tanto, las observaciones macroscpicas
parmetro se basa en una casa tpica con son coherentes con estos tests.
Muestra 1 2 3 4 5
1 139 29 95 4 1305 60
2 71 16 34 2 2080 87
3 114 25 70 5 1681 72
4 70 15 202 10 1570 68
Muestra ndice gamma (I) Radio Equivalente (Raeq) (Bq kg-1) AGED
Tabla 4. Parametros relacionados con la radiacin gamma calculada a partir de las actividades de 222Ra, 232Th
y 40K en las muestras estudiadas. H UMAS PEQUENAS CORREES NA PRIMEIRA AMOSTRA
90 Lima, M., Alves, C. and Sanjurjo-Snchez, J. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Dickson, B.L., Scott, K.M. (1997) Inter- Moura, C.L., Artur, A.C., Bonotto, D.M.,
pretation of aerial gamma-rays surveys Guedes, S., Martinelli, C.D. (2011) Nat-
adding the geochemical factors. Aus- ural radioactivity and radon exhalation
tralia. AGSO, Journal of Australian rate in Brazilian igneous Rocks. Applied
Geology and Geophysics, 17(2), 187- Radiation and Isotopes: including data,
200. instrumentation and methods for use
E.C. - European Comission. 1999. Radiation in agriculture, industry and medicine,
protection 112 Radiological Protection 69(7), 1094-1099.
Principles concerning the Natural Radio- Righi, S., Bruzzi, L. (2006) Natural radio-
activity of Building Materials. Luxem- activity and radon exhalation in build-
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Gascoyne, M. (1992) Geochemistry of Jorunal of Environmental Radioactivity,
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Ivanovich, M, Harmon, R.S., (eds.). Risica, S., Bolzan, C., Nuccetelli, C. 2001.
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and Physical Sciences, 291(1381), 413- Salman, A.B., Abdel-Sammad, M.
421. (2002) Environmental pollutant isotope
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using building materials and industrial ity assessment ofr North Tushki area,
by-products in construction. Construc- Southwestern Egypt. Applied Radiation
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Natural Radioactivity. STUK-BSTO 32, ing construction and radiation shielding
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Moharram B., Suliman M., Zarhan N., UNSCEAR - United Nations Scientific
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Cadernos Lab. Xeolxico de Laxe
Corua. 2015. Vol. 38, pp. 93 - 106 ISSN: 0213-4497
Abstract
The technical characteristics of miocenic palygorskite rich-sediments from an area near Figue-
ir do Campo (Soure, Portugal) are presented. The deposit is probably the most promising area
in Portugal concerning palygorskite as a resource. In this first study we evaluate three samples
collected in the bottom, medium and top levels of the deposit. The samples has 58-79 % in weight
under 63 and the average particle size in the fraction < 63 has 0.2 to 2.2 in size. DRX data
revealed that the fraction < 63 are 26-34 % quartz, 4-6 % Fe oxide and 61-70 % palygorskite.
The fraction < 2 is 89-93 % palygorskite, 4-8 % quartz, 3-4 % Fe oxide and 0-3 % caolinite. The
palygorskite fibbers were observed in MEV and average 344 nm (length) and 31 nm (thickness).
From FRX analysis we obtain the following compositions: 69-60 % SiO2, 11-17 % Al2O3, 7.5-5.1
% MgO and 3.6-6.6 % Fe total. CTC are in the range 7.2-11.2 meq/100g, and the pH between 6.0
94 Antnio Moura, Jos Lopes Velho e Willy Alves CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
and 7.1. The moisture are between 9.21 and 15.08 %. Oil and water sorption are respectively in the
range 69-100 % and 75-134 %. Einlehner abrasivity is between 11 and 80 mg in the fraction < 63
, and 1.2- 1.9 mg in the fraction < 2 .
In the overall results do not exclude the possibility of a feasible exploitation. It is thus essential
to proceed with a geophysical study (to determine the thickness and form of the deposit) and with
boreholes exploration in order to get fresh samples from the interior of the mineralized level.
The deposit was probably formed in a restricted basin filled with alkaline waters and the pa-
lygorskite precipitated from solutions satured with silica and magnesium although we cannot pre-
clude a formation after an esmectite precursor.
gal escala 1:50 000 (figura 1). O nvel pra- (Pliocnico) com espessura igual ou inferior
ticamente horizontal tendo na regio uma a 10 m. A espessura mdia do nvel rico em
espessura que varia entre 5 e 25 m. A muro paligorsquite, difcil de estimar, dever ron-
encontra-se limitado por um nvel conglo- dar os 10 m. A algumas centenas de metros
mertico bastante silicificado e a topo limi- do depsito ocorrem outros, anlogos, em-
tado por um depsito detrtico de cobertura bora de menor rea.
Fig. 1. Terrenos do neognico no litoral ocidental de Portugal e localizao da rea do depsito (adapt. Reis,
1983).
Fig. 2. Cartografia geolgica simplificada do depsito de paligorsquite de Figueir do Campo e perfil geolgico esquemtico.
Estudo preliminar do depsito de paligorsquite 97
98 Antnio Moura, Jos Lopes Velho e Willy Alves CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
anlises qumicas por FRX foi utilizado o capacidade de troca catinica foi adotado o
equipamento Philips Automatic Bead Machi- procedimento que utiliza acetato de amnio
ne PerlX3. Nas observaes no microsc- e que se encontra descrito em ALVES (2013).
pio eletrnico de varrimento foi usado o equi-
pamento Quanta 400FEG ESEM / EDAX 5. RESULTADOS
Genesis X4M pertencente ao Centro de Ma-
teriais da Universidade do Porto. O pH foi 5.1. Granulometria
medido no aparelho Crison-Hanna -HI 8014
calibrado com solues padro de valores de As amostras estudadas correspondem a
pH 4,0 e 7,2; nestas anlises a relao amos- siltitos com uma percentagem de frao >63
tra/gua foi de 1:2,5. Nos testes de absores m variando entre 20% e 40%. A frao <4
de gua e de leo usou-se a norma ISO 787/5- m corresponde a 49-62 % da rocha total
1980. A abrasividade foi determinada num (resultados obtidos a partir da anlise com
abrasivmetro Einlehner AT-1000 e para a o equipamento Segigraph 6100).
Fig. 4. Difractogramas correspondentes a amostras no orientadas das fraces <63 m (espectros superi-
ores) e <2 m (espectros inferiores). P: paligorsquite, Q: quartzo, C: caulinite e O: xidos de ferro (hematite
e goethite).
possvel concluir que em todas as amostras dade. Nenhum dos difratogramas exibe pi-
se verifica uma diminuio do teor em cos relativos a esmectite ou sepiolite (figura
quartzo e um aumento do teor em paligor- 5). As amostras Pm e Pt apresentam vest-
squite da frao <63 m para a <2 m. Os gios de caulinite, sendo que a maior quanti-
xidos de ferro, representados pela hematite dade ocorre na frao < 2 m da amostra Pt
e pela goethite, ocorrem em pequena quanti- (tabela 1).
Tabela. 2. Resultados das anlises qumicas dos elementos maiores em percentagem de xidos.
Fig. 6. Fotografias retiradas em MEV, onde se torna evidente o hbito fibroso das partculas. A - amostra Pt
<63 m; B amostra Pt <2m; C amostra Pi <2 m; D - amostra Pb <2 m.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Estudo preliminar do depsito de paligorsquite 103
the tectonic and sedimentary evolution JONES, B. e CONKO, K., 2011. Environ-
in central Portugal during Neogene. Ab- mental influences on the occurrences of
stracts of the First Congress RCANS, sepiolite and palygorskite: A brief re-
Lisboa, pp 3335. view. Em Developments in Palygorskite-
DIAS, I., 1998. Caracterizao Mineralgi- Sepiolite Research: A New Outlook
ca e Tecnolgica de Argilas Especiais de on These Nanomaterials, E. Galn, A.
Bacias Tercirias Portuguesas. Tese de Singer(editores). Elsevier. Developments
doutoramento. Faculdade de Cincias of Clay Science. p. 69-81.
da Universidade de Lisboa. LUZ, A. e ALMEIDA, S., 2008. Argila
GALN, E. e POZO, M., 2011. Palygor- - Atapulgita e Sepiolita. Em Rochas
skite and sepiolite deposits in continen- e Minerais Industriais: Usos e
tal environments. Description, genetic Especificaes. Parte 2 - Rochas
patterns and sedimentary settings. Em e Minerais Industriais: Usos e
Developments in Palygorskite-Sepiolite Especificaes. CETEM Rio de Janeiro,
Research: A New Outlook on These p. 223-238.
MILLER, K. e FAIRBANKS, R., 1983.
Nanomaterials, E. Galn, A. Singer (ed-
Evidence for Oligocene-Middle Miocene
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western North Atlantic. Nature, 306
GALOPIM DE CARVALHO, A., 1968.
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Geolgico da Bacia Terciria do Tejo. 2010. Litostratigrafia do Cenozico
Servios Geolgicos de Portugal, Me- de Portugal. Em Neiva, J.M. et al.,
mria n15 (Nova Srie), Lisboa, 210p. (Editores). Cincias Geolgicas e
GUGGENHEIM, S. e KREKELER, M., Investigao. V. I, 365-376.
2011. The structure and microtextures of REIS, R. P., 1983. A sedimentologia de
the palygorskite-sepiolite group miner- depsitos continentais. Dois exemplos
als. Developments in palygorskite-sepi- do Cretcico Superior-Miocnico
olite research. A new outlook on these de Portugal. Tese de doutoramento.
nanomaterials. Editado por Galan, E. e Universidade de Coimbra.
Singer, A. (editors). Elsevier. Develop- VELHO, J., 2005. Mineralogia Industrial.
ments in Clay Science 3, pp. 3-65. Princpios e Aplicaes. Edies Lidel,
HARBEN, P., 2002. The industrial minerals Lisboa, 600 p.
Handybook: A guide to markets, speci- VELHO, J., MOURA, A. e ALVES, W.,
fications and prices. 4th edition. Metal 2014. Activao cida em sedimentos
paligorsquiticos da regio de Soure.
Bulletin plc, London.
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HEIVILIN., H. M., 1994. Hormites: Pa-
WEAVER, C., e BECK, K., 1977. Miocene
lygorskite (Attapulgite) and Sepiolite, in
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Cadernos Lab. Xeolxico de Laxe
Corua. 2015. Vol. 38, pp. 107 - 134 ISSN: 0213-4497
Resumen:
Las condiciones edficas de Galicia (NW de Espaa), debido al sustrato cido predominante,
dificultan la conservacin de los restos arqueozoolgicos asociados a los asentamientos humanos.
En estos casos, la bsqueda en zonas alternativas, como cuevas y trampas naturales en las zonas
de pastoreo, puede aportar informacin sobre los recursos animales disponibles.
Se presenta aqu un estudio de los restos de ganado vacuno domstico encontrados en Cova
da Tara o Tara da Triega (Serra do Courel, Lugo). Con una edad de alrededor de 1500 aos,
los huesos corresponderan a la poca de la dominacin sueva del Noroeste peninsular. Estos
animales habran llegado vivos a la cueva, de donde se deduce que deambulaban libremente en
los alrededores, lo que seala un tipo de pastoreo extensivo. El desgaste dentario y el estudio de
istopos estables en el colgeno seo reflejan una alimentacin poco abrasiva, probablemente
arbustiva, concordando con la de zonas de montaa. La talla media calculada para estos animales
es pequea, similar a la descrita para ganado vacuno prerromano.
Palabras clave: Manejo de ganado, Alta Edad Media, Galicia, istopos estables, desgaste dental.
108 Prez, M. , Vaqueiro M. y Grandal-dAnglade, A. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Abstract:
The soil conditions in Galicia (NW of Spain), due to the predominant acid substrate, makes difficult
the conservation of archaeozoological remains associated with human settlements. In these cases, the
search for alternative areas, such as caves and natural traps in pasturelands, can provide information
on the animal resources available.
We present here a study about domestic cattle remains found in Cova da Tara or Tara da Triega
(Serra do Courel, Lugo), with an age of about 1500 years BP. The bone remains were laid at the time
of the Swabian domination of peninsular northwest. These animals would come alive to the cave,
from which it follows that roamed freely around, indicating an extensive livestock management. The
tooth wear and the study of stable isotopes in bone collagen reflect a little abrasive diet, probably
shrub, matching the vegetation of mountain areas. The average height calculated for these animals is
small, similar to that described for pre-Roman cattle.
Keywords: livestock management, High Middle Ages, Galicia, stable isotopes, dental wear.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Indicios de Pastoreo Extensivo 109
Fig. 2. Topografa (a) y perfil (b) de Cova da Tara. Los nmeros sealan las zonas donde se recogi material.
Cartografa elaborada sobre la topografa base incluida en Vaqueiro (2007).
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Indicios de Pastoreo Extensivo 113
Las dimensiones de la boca, que queda falta de luz y la topografa de la cueva les
fcilmente oculta por la nieve (Figura 3a), y hara difcil orientarse.
la topografa en rampa-pozo, hacen que la Los efectos de la gravedad tienen gran
cueva funcionase como trampa natural. importancia en la cueva. En las zonas de
Animales en busca de refugio o menor pendiente existen acumulaciones de
que cayesen a travs de la entrada en cantos (Figura 3b), resultados de procesos
situaciones de baja visibilidad, como las de desprendimiento. Los restos seos se
que podra provocar la lluvia o la nieve, han localizado en la zona baja de la sala
descenderan prcticamente en cada libre principal, o al pie de los distintos escarpes
hasta los -26 m, donde, adems de sufrir en los que se configura la sala. Algunos
las consecuentes lesiones, encontraran huesos estn cubiertos por los cantos y
grandes dificultades en subir de nuevo posiblemente se habran desplazado con
a la superficie por sus propios medios, los materiales del depsito durante su cada
mientras que, una vez dentro, si optasen (Figura 3c). Sin embargo, tambin se han
por vagabundear en busca de otra salida, la encontrado esqueletos en posicin original.
Fig. 3. Vista del exterior de la entrada a la cueva durante el invierno (a) e interior de Cova da Tara (b),
mostrando la fuerte pendiente con rocas procedentes de desprendimientos y la forma de acumulacin de ese
material. Detalle de resto seo in situ (c). Fotografas: M. Vaqueiro.
114 Prez, M. , Vaqueiro M. y Grandal-dAnglade, A. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
segn la notacin delta (), que indica la arrojan un total de 260 restos de Bos taurus,
desviacin con respecto a un estndar en la 5 de otras especies, y 151 fragmentos no
proporcin entre istopo pesado y ligero. Los identificables. Los restos seos de Bos taurus
estndares utilizados fueron los habituales: la se relacionan en la tabla 1. Se excluyen del
caliza PDB para el carbono y el Nitrgeno listado las piezas pertenecientes a otras
atmosfrico para el nitrgeno. especies: una hemimandbula de lagomorfo
(Oryctolagus cuniculus), un escafocuboide
3. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIN. de ovicprido fusionado con un gran
cuneiforme, fusin que quizs se debiera
3.1. Estudio faunstico. a algn proceso patolgico, y tres piezas
pertenecientes a ciervo (Cervus elaphus): un
En la zona 1 y 2 se recuperaron un total de fragmento de asta, una primera falange y un
429 fragmentos, que, una vez reconstruidos fragmento de pelvis.
Crneo 36 Denticin:
Mandbula 7 INFERIOR
Incisivos 4
Vrtebras: Segundo Premolar 2
Axis 2 Tercer Premolar 2
V. Cervicales 9 Primer Molar 3
V. Torcicas 13 Segundo Molar 2
V. Lumbares 3 Tercer Molar 3
V. Caudales 1 SUPERIOR
Indeterminables 21 Segundo Premolar 1
Tercer Premolar 2
Costillas 80 Cuarto Premolar 3
Primer Molar 3
Segundo Molar 3
Tercer Molar 3
Escpula 5 Pelvis 6
Humero 5 Fmur 3
Ulna 4 Rtula 4
Radio 4 Tibia 4
Carpo: Tarso:
Piramidal 1 Astrgalo 2
116 Prez, M. , Vaqueiro M. y Grandal-dAnglade, A. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Cabezo-trapezoidal 2 Calcneo 2
Ganchudo 1 Escafo-cuboides 2
Gran Cuneiforme 1
Metacarpo 2 Metatarso 2
Falanges:
Falange 1 4
Falange 2 2
Falange 3 1
Total : 260
dividuos distintos. En primer lugar, aunque transporte no determin una prdida im-
de cada parte esqueltica concreta hay poca portante de restos. Las nicas desviaciones
representacin, se han recuperado fragmen- importantes del nmero de restos de bvido
tos o huesos completos de casi todas las recuperados y los esperables si los esquele-
partes esquelticas. La proporcin en que tos estuvieran completos, corresponde a la
se han encontrado es similar a la que existe sobrerrepresentacin de restos de costillas y
en el esqueleto completo, y no parece haber craneales, debido probablemente a su mayor
habido ningn tipo de proceso de seleccin grado de fragmentacin, y la infrarrepre-
como el que podra producirse si los animales sentacin de vrtebras (posiblemente por
hubiesen sido consumidos por carnvoros aplastamiento debido a la cada de bloques),
o troceados por seres humanos (Figura 4). algunos huesos del carpo y el tarso, as como
Por otra parte, aunque algunos de los huesos de las falanges, los huesos ms pequeos y
presentan marcas de roedores, no se han en- perifricos del esqueleto, que pueden haberse
contrado huellas antrpicas, como marcas perdido o no haber sido recuperados, al tra-
de corte o quemado, ni tampoco seales de- tarse de una recogida superficial y no una
jadas por carnvoros. Algunos de los huesos, excavacin propiamente dicha. Tambin es
adems, estaban en suficiente buen estado de posible, sin embargo, que debido a que el
conservacin para que fuese posible incluso espesor del hueso cortical es mucho menor
articular algunas de las extremidades de los que en los huesos largos, y a su tamao, los
animales. Aunque existi movimiento por huesos pequeos que sufrieran aplastami-
gravedad de algunas de las piezas debido a la ento entre las rocas fueran completamente
pendiente en la zona 1, los huesos desplaza- destruidos, o dejasen fragmentos demasiado
dos por este motivo lo hicieron a lo largo de pequeos para permitir la reconstruccin
la pendiente hasta acumularse en la zona 2, o incluso el reconocimiento de la parte es-
de donde fueron recuperados, por lo que este queltica a la que pertenecan.
80
55
50
45
40
Nmero de restos
35
Bos taurus
30
2 Esqueletos de Bvido
25
20
15
10
0
Astrgalo
Calcneo
Resto tarso
Metatarso
Pelvis
Sacro
Rtula
Tibia
Fmur
V. Cervicales
V. Torcicas
V. Lumbares
Esternn
Crneo
Mandbula
Atlas
Axis
Costillas
Escpula
Humero
Ulna
Falange 1
Falange 2
Falange 3
Radio
Carpo
Metacarpo
Fig. 4. Representacin del nmero de restos hallados. Comparacin con las piezas presentes en dos esqueletos
de bvido completos.
118 Prez, M. , Vaqueiro M. y Grandal-dAnglade, A. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
En el caso de los bvidos de A Tara, debi- aos en base al grade de desgaste del tercer
do a que no ha habido apenas transporte de molar inferior, lo que indica que haban pas-
los restos, fue posible reconstruir parte de los ado varios aos desde que haban alcanzado
esqueletos de los animales, lo que permiti su tamao definitivo y la madurez sexual.
calcular la edad de los restos en base al anli- Las medidas de todos los restos
sis de sus dentaduras. Los dos bvidos son recuperados de bvido se presentan en
animales con sus epfisis completamente sol- el Anexo. El tamao calculado para los
dadas y denticin definitiva completa, lo que animales a partir de las piezas de las que
nos permite suponer una edad superior a los se pudo obtener la longitud mxima puede
tres aos, probablemente cercana a los cinco verse en la Tabla 2.
Altura cruz
Sigla Pieza individuo edad LM (mm) Factor
(mm)
123-166-177-
Metacarpo Bos 1 >3 aos 183,5 6,25 1146,88
275
Tabla 2. Clculo de la alzada de los bvidos encontrados. Las piezas con varios nmeros de identificacin
corresponden a huesos que fueron reconstruidos tras el siglado de sus fragmentos.
Podemos comparar los datos anteriores Rodrguez (2003) para la cabaa ganadera
con los encontrados por Fernndez del Noroeste Peninsular (Tabla 3 y Figura 5).
150
altura a la cruz (cm)
135
120
105
90
m o
C ano
m o
o
2
an
an
ra
ra
ro re
ro tre
om
Ta
Ta
er st
as
pr Ca
A
R
Fig. 5. Comparacin de las alzadas de ganado vacuno tardohistrico del noroeste peninsular, segn Fernndez
Rodrguez (2003), con la de los individuos de A Tara. Medidas en cm.
120 Prez, M. , Vaqueiro M. y Grandal-dAnglade, A. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
Tabla 3. Alzada de los animales domsticos del noroeste peninsular segn Fernndez Rodrguez (2003).
Medidas en cm.
Fig. 6. Molares de bovino de A Tara, mostrando un grado escaso de mesodesgaste. Escala en cm.
CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015) Indicios de Pastoreo Extensivo 123
(Surez Pieiro, 2004) y aparece escasamente El 15N de las muestras varia entre 3,3 y
en los espectros polnicos gallegos de poca 3,8, valores que, si los comparamos con los
castrea (Dopazo et al., 1996). Apenas valores de Bos taurus tardorromano y altome-
existen datos sobre la intensidad de su cultivo dieval de Alemania (Hakenbeck et al., 2010)
en la poca que nos ocupa. se sitan muy por debajo de la media (fig. 7).
8,0 Baviera
A Tara
7,0
6,0
15 N
5,0
4,0
3,0
Fig. 7. Comparacin de valores isotpicos de los bvidos
-23,0 -22,0 -21,0 -20,0 de A Tara con individuos centroeuropeos (Hakenbeck et
13
C al., 2010) de cronologa aproximadamente similar.
los 500 m sobre el nivel del mar en Baviera). (Virginia y Delwiche, 1982), tales como
Por ltimo, el conjunto de ganado vacuno podran ser la paja de leguminosas usada
de Baviera procede de un contexto muy como forraje, el trbol en praderas o tojo
antropizado. Si los animales se alimentaron y retama en las zonas de matorral. Incluso
en zonas de pastos preparados al efecto, es hoy en da se sigue manteniendo en algunas
posible que el suelo estuviera sometido a zonas el uso de las zonas de matorral como
manejo y enriquecido con abonos orgnicos, zonas de pasto para ganado, abundando los
lo que eleva considerablemente los valores tojos y retama, fijadoras de nitrgeno y que
isotpicos del nitrgeno en las plantas y a lo son adems empleadas como cama para el
largo de toda la cadena trfica (Van Klinken ganado (Xunta de Galicia 2005).
et al., 2000). Hay que recordar que la zona de alta
Por otra parte, las plantas fijadoras de montaa gallega tiene unas caractersticas
N, como las leguminosas, presentan valores climticas, geomorfolgicas y de vegetacin
especialmente bajos en su 15N ya que lo distintas de otras zonas de la Pennsula
obtienen directamente del aire a travs Ibrica o incluso de las zonas bajas de
de micorrizas simbiontes (Hobbie et al., Galicia, lo que influenciara el modo de
2000). Ericceas, leguminosas y rosceas aprovechamiento local del territorio, Hoy
son familias especialmente destacables en en da en el Courel, dentro de las tierras de
las zonas de matorral de O Courel. Existen uso agrario, el principal uso es la ganadera.
65 especies de leguminosas en esa regin, El espacio destinado a los forrajes,
siendo abundantes en las zonas altas de especialmente los forrajes verdes, incluyendo
la sierra en formas arbustivas: retama praderas, supera a cualquier otro tipo de
(Cytisus scoparius), carquesa (Pterospartum cultivo (Xunta de Galicia, 2005).
tridentatum), codeso (Adenocarpus La evolucin de la vegetacin en la
complicatus) o incluso el tojo (Ulex sp. y zona durante el Holoceno es bien conocida
Genista sp.), que a pesar de sus espinas, es gracias a los estudios polnicos realizados
consumido por las vacas cuando sus brotes en la cercana laguna de Lucenza (ver Fig.
an estn tiernos, se emplea como forraje y 1). Las secuencias polnicas de la laguna
constituye una parte importante de las zonas de Lucenza muestran una disminucin del
de matorral. Sus formaciones dominan el polen arbreo durante el periodo Atlntico
paisaje de ciertas reas, y son preferibles (desde 2500 aos BP hasta la actualidad)
como zonas de pastoreo a los brezales, ligada a un incremento plantas herbceas.
formaciones de Calluna y Erica, ya que la Esta deforestacin va unida tambin a
presencia de taninos y la baja digestibilidad una abundancia de microcarbones, lo que
en estas especies las hacen poco adecuadas permite suponer una importante accin
para la alimentacin de ovejas y vacas antrpica para aclarar la vegetacin por
(Gonzlez Hernndez y Silva Pando, 1999; medio de rozas. Este tipo de actividad
Gonzlez Hernndez et al., 2003). frecuentemente se ha asociado con la
Si tenemos en cuenta que su denticin expansin de la agricultura, pero tambin
parece indicar un tipo de dieta poco abrasiva, va ligada a la obtencin de pastos para la
es posible que estos valores representen ganadera (Ramil Rego, 1993a). Este podra
un cierto aporte de plantas fijadoras de N ser el caso de O Courel ya que aqu no se
126 Prez, M. , Vaqueiro M. y Grandal-dAnglade, A. CAD. LAB. XEOL. LAXE 38 (2015)
A s art A s art
Nmero pieza lado Individuo LM cuerpo Am
anterior posterior
36 Axis Bos 1 94,01 88,1 29,11 52,62
227 Axis Bos 2 77,91
dTM
Nmero pieza lado Individuo LM dTMp dTM art p dTm dTMd
art d
13 Radio S Bos 1 266,5 77,79 70,83 41,32
32 Radio D Bos 1 266 78,33 69,89 41,59 69,87 47,69
220 Radio S Bos 2 227 32,5 59,41 49,71
221 Radio D Bos 2 59,26 33,07
Nmero pieza lado Individuo LM dTMp dAPMp dTm dTMd dAPMd dAPm
34 Metatarso S Bos 1 214 41,74 26,8 52,06 34,42 26,3
35 Metatarso D Bos 1 214 47,73 41,06 27,37 26,3