@misc{SchneiderRaabRaabetal., author = {Schneider, Anna and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Bonhage, Alexander}, title = {Anthropogene Kleinreliefformen als Relikte fr{\"u}herer Landnutzung - Großfl{\"a}chige Kartierung aus digitalen Gel{\"a}ndemodellen}, series = {Pangeo / DEUQUA 2024 Abstracts}, journal = {Pangeo / DEUQUA 2024 Abstracts}, pages = {159 -- 159}, abstract = {Die direkten Auswirkungen menschlicher Landnutzung auf B{\"o}den und Sedimente betreffen h{\"a}ufig nur wenige Dezimeter Tiefe unter der Erdoberfl{\"a}che, erstrecken sich horizontal aber sehr weitr{\"a}umig. Indirekte anthropogene Einfl{\"u}sse auf geomorphologische und hydrologische Prozesse als ein Merkmal des Anthropoz{\"a}ns ergeben sich als kumulative Auswirkungen solcher wenig intensiven, aber großfl{\"a}chigen Eingriffe. Viele Landnutzungsformen hinterlassen charakteristische anthropogene Reliefver{\"a}nderungen und Kleinreliefformen, die in hochaufl{\"o}senden digitalen Gel{\"a}ndemodellen (DEMs) abgebildet sind. Die Auswertung von DEMs erm{\"o}glicht es damit, anthropogene Kleinreliefformen {\"u}ber große Areale zu erkennen und so (pr{\"a}-)historische Landnutzung zu lokalisieren und hinsichtlich ihrer fl{\"a}chenhaften Verbreitung und Verteilungsmuster zu beschreiben. W{\"a}hrend sich die technischen M{\"o}glichkeiten zur DEM-Auswertung v.a. durch KI-gest{\"u}tzte Methoden rapide weiterentwickeln, bleiben vielfach Unsicherheiten hinsichtlich der zeitlichen Klassifizierung und Repr{\"a}sentativit{\"a}t der erfassten Formen. Wir pr{\"a}sentieren Ergebnisse aus mehreren Fallstudien, in denen anthropogene Kleinreliefformen aus DEMs großfl{\"a}chig kartiert und erg{\"a}nzt durch bodenkundliche und sedimentologische Untersuchung morphogenetisch interpretiert wurden. Diese Studien konzentrieren sich auf Relikte der Holzkohleproduktion, des Bergbaus und der landwirtschaftlichen Nutzung in Untersuchungsgebieten in Brandenburg, Nordbayern, Schlesien, Nordwestirland und dem Nordosten der USA. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen durchwegs eine große Verbreitung anthropogener Kleinreliefformen in rezenten Waldgebieten und damit einen erheblichen Einfluss fr{\"u}herer Landnutzung auf aktuelle Bodenlandschaften. W{\"a}hrend Relikte der historischen Holzkohleproduktion nur vereinzelt mit Bodenerosion in Verbindung stehen, zeigt sich f{\"u}r Kleinreliefformen aus Bergbau und Ackerbau h{\"a}ufiger ein Zusammenhang mit anthropogen beeinflusster Morphodynamik. Die Fallstudien zeigen auch Effekte der {\"U}berpr{\"a}gung und eine Tendenz zur Abbildung {\"u}berwiegend j{\"u}ngerer Landnutzungsrelikte in DEMs und unterstreichen damit, dass f{\"u}r ein Verst{\"a}ndnis von Mensch-Umwelt Interaktionen die DEM-gest{\"u}tzte Rekonstruktion der vergangenen Landnutzung mit Auswertung weiterer Geoarchive kombiniert werden muss.}, language = {de} } @misc{SchneiderRaabRaabetal., author = {Schneider, Anna and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Sekhri, Simran and Bonhage, Alexander}, title = {Spatial distribution patterns and soil properties of lynchet systems in Northeastern Bavaria, Germany}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2023, Vienna, Austria, 24-28 Apr 2023}, journal = {EGU General Assembly 2023, Vienna, Austria, 24-28 Apr 2023}, doi = {10.5194/egusphere-egu23-6090}, pages = {2}, abstract = {Former field systems (FFS) in recent forest areas of Central and Northern Europe are often discernible by their characteristic morphology with slightly flattened slope areas and intermediary ridges formed by tillage and water erosion. Soils of such lynchet systems feature distinctly modified stratigraphy and properties and thereby constitute a memory of past land use. At the same time, the legacies of past agriculture affect recent forest ecosystems. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) allow to identify lynchets over large areas and open up new opportunities to study the spatial distribution patterns and soils of FFS. Within our research on different land use legacy features in forest areas, we study FFS in Northeastern Bavaria (Germany) in a geopedological approach, combining large-scale mapping and spatial analysis with the description and analysis of soil properties for specific sites. Lynchet areas (and other remnants of pre-industrial FFS) in recent forests were mapped from LIDAR DEMs for an area of 2045 km2 (972 km2 forest area). The mapping results show more than 100 km2 of abandoned field systems within the study area, mostly appearing as lynchet systems. Their spatial distribution patterns differ within the study area, mainly depending on parent material and landform. In the limestone region of the Franconian Jura, FFS occur spatially dispersed, often as considerably small, irregularly shaped parcels, presumably reflecting proceeding abandonment of less productive and accessible fields with intensification of agriculture. In contrast, FFS in the Bohemian Massif in the eastern part of our study area were often found in compounds of many regularly shaped parcels, frequently associated with deserted settlement areas. Soil stratigraphy and properties were studied for FFS and reference positions (forest areas with no indications of former agricultural use) in six study sites, combining detailed characterization of principal soil profiles and an assessment of spatial variations of soil properties in a near-surface sampling approach. First results show that FFS soils are characterized by truncated profiles over most parts of the treads and accumulation of colluvium confined to relatively small areas upslope of lynchet risers. The depth of soil profile truncation and height of lynchet risers differ, mainly related to slope and erodibility of the initial soils. Stratigraphy of the lynchet soils indicates a gradually proceeding formation. Carbon and nitrogen contents were found to differ between FFS and reference soils and to be more homogeneous within the FFS. Carbon contents were mainly lower in the FFS, while both lower and higher nitrogen contents were observed for FFS soils, presumably related to different duration and intensity of agricultural use. Overall, the results show that the legacy effects of past agriculture affect large fractions of recent forest areas, and can be of different quality depending on lithology of the soils' parent material and land use history.}, language = {en} } @misc{HirschSchneiderMaatenTheunissenetal., author = {Hirsch, Florian and Schneider, Anna and Maaten-Theunissen, Marieke van der and Maaten, Ernst van der and R{\"a}biger, Christin and Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Soil properties and tree growth at medieval ridge and furrow sites in Brandenburg, northeastern Germany}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {186}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {4}, issn = {1436-8730}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.202200345}, pages = {417 -- 427}, abstract = {Background Ridge and furrow (RIFU) systems and associated soils are a widespread legacy of medieval agriculture, are archives of historical land use, and might affect recent ecosystems. Open questions about RIFU formation and potential legacy effects still exist, especially related to physical soil properties. Aims Our aims were (1) to characterize the soil properties of RIFU soils and (2) to compare the drought sensitivity and the growth resistance in extremely dry years of trees growing on ridges and furrows, respectively. Methods We studied soil physical (bulk density, saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, and texture) and chemical (soil pH, soil organic matter, and nitrogen content) properties and the climate sensitivity of tree growth on RIFU systems for three study sites in Prignitz, Germany. Results RIFU systems showed a high spatial heterogeneity of soil stratigraphy due to ridge construction and increased accumulation of soil moisture and organic matter in furrows due to post-abandonment pedogenesis. Slight spatial differences in soil physical properties were found, with increased air capacity in ridge soils and higher available water contents in furrow soils. No differences in drought sensitivity were observed for trees growing on ridges and furrows, except for a wet site, where trees in furrows showed a higher sensitivity. Resistance in dry years tended to be similar or increase from furrows to ridges. Conclusions The results reflect a spatial differentiation of stratigraphy and post-abandonment pedogenesis on abandoned RIFU systems and suggest an adaption to different moisture conditions through RIFU construction. Differences in drought sensitivity of tree growth with relative land surface could only be detected for one of the three sites, where trees were found to be less drought sensitive on ridges.}, language = {en} } @misc{BonhageRaabSchneideretal., author = {Bonhage, Alexander and Raab, Thomas and Schneider, Anna and Raab, Alexandra and Ouimet, William and V{\"o}lkel, J{\"o}rg and Ramezany, Shaghayegh}, title = {From site to state - Quantifying multi-scale legacy effects of historic landforms from charcoal production on soils in Connecticut, USA}, series = {Catena}, volume = {232}, journal = {Catena}, issn = {0341-8162}, doi = {10.1016/j.catena.2023.107426}, language = {en} } @misc{MalikBohrWistubaetal., author = {Malik, Ireneusz and Bohr, Marcin and Wistuba, Małgorzata and Raab, Thomas and Bonhage, Alexander and Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter and Raab, Alexandra and Woskowicz-Ślęzak, Beata}, title = {Multi-Period Ore Exploitation in Upper Silesia, Central Europe}, series = {Journal of Field Archaeology}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of Field Archaeology}, number = {5}, issn = {0093-4690}, doi = {10.1080/00934690.2023.2200583}, pages = {366 -- 379}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabBonhageSchneideretal., author = {Raab, Thomas and Bonhage, Alexander and Schneider, Anna and Raab, Alexandra and Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter and Malik, Ireneusz and Chauhan, Jai Singh and Thekkethala, Jeenus Joby}, title = {Soil distribution and properties on mining relicts in Upper Silesia, Poland - first results from the Mala Panew River catchment and the UNESCO heritage site Tarnowskie G{\´o}ry}, series = {Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, Einladung und Programm Halle (Saale), 2.-8. September 2023}, journal = {Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, Einladung und Programm Halle (Saale), 2.-8. September 2023}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabRaabBonhageetal., author = {Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Bonhage, Alexander and Schneider, Anna}, title = {Relict Charcoal Hearth (RCH) soils - properties and classification}, series = {Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, Einladung und Programm Halle (Saale), 2.-8. September 2023}, journal = {Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, Einladung und Programm Halle (Saale), 2.-8. September 2023}, pages = {88}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabRaabBonhageetal., author = {Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Bonhage, Alexander and Schneider, Anna and Drohan, Patrick J. and Wistuba, Małgorzata and Malik, Ireneusz and Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter}, title = {Small anthropogenic landforms from past land use - what have we (already) learned and what do we (still) want to know}, series = {DGGM Meeting 2023 Conference proceedings 04.-06.10.2023, RWTH Aachen}, journal = {DGGM Meeting 2023 Conference proceedings 04.-06.10.2023, RWTH Aachen}, pages = {S. 61}, language = {de} } @misc{RaabRaabBonhageetal., author = {Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas and Bonhage, Alexander and Schneider, Anna and Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter and Bauriegel, Albrecht}, title = {Geomorphology of the Schwarze Elster Valley (Southwest Brandenburg, Germany) at the Bronze Age barrow cemetery Schweinert - Findings from the 2023 research campaign}, series = {DGGM Meeting 2023 Conference proceedings 04.-06.10.2023, RWTH Aachen}, journal = {DGGM Meeting 2023 Conference proceedings 04.-06.10.2023, RWTH Aachen}, pages = {S. 60}, language = {de} } @misc{BonhageRaabDrohanetal., author = {Bonhage, Alexander and Raab, Thomas and Drohan, Patrick and Schneider, Anna and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {An initial geopedological survey and description of historic raised beds in north-western Ireland}, series = {Geomorphology}, volume = {481}, journal = {Geomorphology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {1872-695X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.109778}, pages = {1 -- 12}, abstract = {Raised Bed (RB) field structures in northwestern Ireland are historical relics of widespread agriculture before and during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. Their primary purpose was to improve drainage on shallow, waterlogged soils for cultivation of crops. Today, the undulating surface morphology created by the ridges and furrows remains visible in many locations, raising questions about how many of these historic fields actually still exist, whether they are mappable, and if their soils have undergone persistent anthropogenic changes. In this study, we analyse three different RB sites located in varying topographical positions and on different parent materials. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) are created using UAV-based photogrammetry to analyse the surface morphology and model surface flow accumulation and wetness. Soils are analysed using trenches and surface samples taken from ridges and furrows. Our results indicate that satellite or aerial imagery alone is insufficient for reliably detecting RB sites, as the height difference between ridges and furrows is too subtle. Ridge spacing and furrow depth are best observed using high-resolution DEMs (<50 cm cell size). The modelled surface hydrology suggests that the drainage function of RB sites remains, with furrows retaining more moisture than ridges. This can have significant implications for microhabitat structures within RB fields, potentially influencing faunal species composition and abundance. Furthermore, we find significant differences in specific elemental concentrations between soils on ridges and soils on furrows, as well as differences in grain size distributions. These findings indicate a wide range of potential legacy effects present in RB fields that merit further investigation.}, language = {en} } @misc{BonhageRaabRaabetal., author = {Bonhage, Alexander and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Schneider, Anna and Malik, Ireneusz and Wistuba, Malgorzata and Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter}, title = {Land use legacy landforms at the UNESCO Heritage Site Tarnowskie G{\´o}ry, Upper Silesia, Poland : stratigraphy, soils and age}, series = {Geoarchaeology}, volume = {40}, journal = {Geoarchaeology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1520-6548}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.22028}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {Metallurgy in Upper Silesia (Poland) has a long tradition of international significance, which was emphasized in 2017 when the historic silver mine in Tarnowskie G{\´o}ry was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area consists of various anthropogenic landforms, the stratigraphy of which has hardly been studied so far. In this study, we describe five main morphological units: Unit I (RCH) and Unit II (RCH pit), resulting from charcoal production; Unit III (shaft) and Unit IV (shaft heap), resulting from mining; and Unit V (reference forest soil). The first four units are a variation of a Technosol with inherently different properties from the reference forest soil. Unit I exhibits typical properties of a relict charcoal hearth (RCH), whereas Unit II resembles a pit. Unit III consists of a mostly infilled mining shaft remain (MSR), characterized by relocated subsoil. Unit IV consists of material from the adjacent Unit III that has been dumped directly aside. The studied RCH was used no earlier than during the second half of the 17th century, probably between 1725 and 1813. The studied MSR was used most likely between the 3rd and 5th centuries, which is much older than described so far. Together, the units reflect the characteristic heterogeneity of soils in shaft mining and RCH areas.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchneiderTaklaRaabetal., author = {Schneider, Anna and Takla, Melanie and Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas and Bonhage, Alexander and Hirsch, Florian and R{\"o}sler, Horst}, title = {Towards an inventory of historic charcoal production fields in Brandenburg, Germany}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 13 April - 17 May 2015}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 13 April - 17 May 2015}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabBonhageSchneideretal., author = {Raab, Alexandra and Bonhage, Alexander and Schneider, Anna and Raab, Thomas and R{\"o}sler, Horst and Heußner, Karl-Uwe and Hirsch, Florian}, title = {Spatial distribution of relict charcoal hearths in the former royal forest district Tauer (SE Brandenburg, Germany)}, series = {Quaternary International}, volume = {Vol. 511}, journal = {Quaternary International}, issn = {1040-6182}, doi = {10.1016/j.quaint.2017.07.022}, pages = {153 -- 165}, abstract = {Historical charcoal production has long been an unconsidered type of forest utilization in lowland areas. The archaeological discovery of a large charcoal burning area in the forefield of the active opencast lignite mine J€anschwalde in SE Brandenburg (North German Lowlands) has highlighted the need for multidisciplinary research in the study of the dimensions of historical charcoal burning. The charcoal produced in our study area, the former royal forest district Tauer, provided energy for the nearby Peitz ironworks during its operation from the mid-16th to the mid-19th century. Here, we aimed to record the amount, size and distribution of relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) to examine their context with respect to the ironworks and to better understand the potential impacts on late Quaternary landscape change. The applied methods combined archaeological research with shaded-relief mapping of RCHs. To evaluate the detection success of RCHs in the shaded-relief maps (SRMs), we compared the results with the results from specific archaeological surveys and conventional forest site mapping. Furthermore, we analyzed our dataset with descriptive, comparable and spatial statistics. Additionally, dendrochronological dating of charcoal fragments from selected RCHs was used to investigate the temporal relationships among the RCHs. Approximately 6000 circular RCHs were manually digitally identified in the SRMs of the 109-km2 evaluable area. However, ground truthing showed that the shaded-relief maps could not completely capture all RCHs in our study area due to local conditions. At the regional scale, two focus areas with high RCH site densities were found. Statistical analysis revealed that the diameters of the RCHs range widely from 4 to 30.5 m. Spatial statistics were applied to the RCH diameters to aggregate areas with larger or smaller RCHs. At the small scale, no systematic arrangement of RCHs was obvious in the SRMs. Dendrochronological dating of selected RCHs lying close together could not detect significant spatiotemporal relationships or patterns. The dating results also showed that some areas have been preferentially used for charcoal production for over 300 years. Due to the homogeneity of the physiogeographical location factors, we assume that these factors are not superficially responsible for site selection. Instead, economic location factors and contemporary regulations are more likely responsible for the distribution of RCHs.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchneiderTaklaNicolayetal., author = {Schneider, Anna and Takla, Melanie and Nicolay, Alexander and Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas}, title = {A Template-matching Approach Combining Morphometric Variables for Automated Mapping of Charcoal Kiln Sites}, series = {Archaeological Prospection}, volume = {22}, journal = {Archaeological Prospection}, number = {1}, issn = {1099-0763}, doi = {10.1002/arp.1497}, pages = {45 -- 62}, abstract = {Analysing the spatial distribution of anthropogenic relief structures can contribute to the understanding of past landuse systems. With automated mapping routines, small relief forms can be detected efficiently from high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs). In this study, we describe an approach for the automated mapping of charcoal kiln sites from an airborne laser-scanning DTM. The study site is located north of Cottbus, Germany, where an exceptionally large historic charcoal production field has been documented in previous archaeological surveys. The goal of this study was to implement, evaluate and improve an automated GIS-based routine for mapping these features based on the template-matching principle. In addition to the DTM, different morphometric variables were evaluated for their suitability to detect kiln sites. The mapping results were validated against a comprehensive database of kiln sites recorded from archaeological excavations and via manual digitization. The effects of irregular kiln-site geometry and DTM noise were evaluated using synthetic DTMs. The results of the synthetic DTM mapping show that the template-matching results differed depending on the morphometric variable used for the mapping process. In accordance with this observation, a validation of the mapping procedure for the field site suggests that feature mapping can be improved. In particular, the number of false detections can be reduced using a combination of morphometric variables. For the validation area, the kiln sites with diameters of at least 10m were mapped using the automated routine, with detection rates that were close to those of manual digitization. Therefore, the described method can considerably facilitate the mapping and distribution analysis of kiln sites or similar small relief forms that are prominent in a specific landscape.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchneiderHirschWechleretal., author = {Schneider, Anna and Hirsch, Florian and Wechler, Klaus-Peter and Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Reconstruction of a Paleosurface and Archaeological Site Location in an Anthropogenic Drift Sand Area}, series = {Archaeological Prospection}, volume = {24}, journal = {Archaeological Prospection}, number = {4}, issn = {1099-0763}, doi = {10.1002/arp.1571}, pages = {297 -- 310}, abstract = {Knowledge of the position of archaeological remains in the surface relief provides important basic information for archaeological survey design and interpretation. Geomorphological processes in (pre)history may have resulted in a modification of the local relief around archaeological sites, especially in areas that are prone to sediment erosion and relocation, such as sheet sand and dune landscapes. In this study, we reconstructed and analysed the palaeorelief of an archaeological excavation site in an inland dune area in southern Brandenburg, Germany. The remains of two Mesolithic sites were documented in the archaeological excavations and found to be associated with a buried soil horizon. To gather information on the relief of the buried soil surface, we used a combination of sedimentological and pedological profile descriptions along archaeological survey trenches and geophysical prospection with ground penetrating radar supplemented with microdrone photography and photogrammetry, global positioning system (GPS) surveys, and analysis of LiDAR-based elevation models. A digital elevation model of the buried surface was generated and analysed using a geographical information system (GIS). A comparison of the palaeosurface model with the recent surface elevation model shows that sand remobilization resulted in a considerable reshaping of the relief. Further, an analysis of the buried surface model shows that the relief position of the two archaeological sites in the study area was considerably more prominent in relation to the corresponding buried soil surface than in relation to the recent surface morphology. The results affirm the significance of Holocene sediment relocation for the local surface morphology and the importance of considering such relief modifications in archaeological surveys.}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabHirschOuimetetal., author = {Raab, Thomas and Hirsch, Florian and Ouimet, William and Johnson, Katharine M. and Dethier, David and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {Architecture of relict charcoal hearths in northwestern Connecticut, USA}, series = {Geoarchaeology}, volume = {32}, journal = {Geoarchaeology}, number = {4}, issn = {1520-6548}, doi = {10.1002/gea.21614}, pages = {502 -- 510}, abstract = {Relict charcoal hearths are round or elliptical earthen platforms up to 11 m in diameter and a widespread feature of historical industry that supplied charcoal used in the production of iron in furnaces or smelters. The iron industry dominated Litchfield County, Connecticut, and surrounding areas in the northeastUnited States throughout the 19th century, peaking in ∼1850. The large number of charcoal hearths in this region is a relic of >150 years of widespread iron production. In this study, we describe the architecture and soil stratigraphy of 26 charcoal hearths in Litchfield County. This contribution aims to (1) compare soils that comprise the charcoal hearths with "natural" adjacent soils, (2) measure the thickness of topsoil developed upon the hearths, and (3) characterize the stratigraphy associated with these features. Results indicate that the black topsoils overlying the charcoal hearths contain residual charcoal and are on average 2.6 times thicker than adjacentCambisols. Charcoal hearths display two ormore black, charcoal-rich strata separated by layers of reddish-brown soil low in charcoal content indicating multiple episodes of use.We also find that many charcoal hearths have been stabilized with boulders on the downslope side during construction and repeated use.Overall, the results presented here provide significant information regarding the construction, use, and associated impacts of earthen platforms for charcoal production in the northeastUnited States, with further relevance to other areas where historical charcoal production occurred.}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabRaabNicolayetal., author = {Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Nicolay, Alexander and Takla, Melanie and Hirsch, Florian and R{\"o}sler, Horst and Bauriegel, Albrecht}, title = {Opencast mines in South Brandenburg (Germany) - archives of Late Quaternary landscape development and human-induced land use changes}, series = {Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences}, volume = {8}, journal = {Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences}, number = {3}, issn = {1866-9565}, doi = {10.1007/s12520-015-0227-6}, pages = {453 -- 466}, abstract = {This study outlines the opportunities for geoarchaeological research in active opencast lignite mines in southern Brandenburg (Germany). Studies on extensive outcrops that address both archaeology and soil geomorphology, combined with a geographical information system (GIS) approach, provide unique insights into human-induced environmental changes in Lower Lusatia and generally improve our understanding of landscape dynamics. We present the most recent results from three case studies and review important findings from the last several years. Studies conducted in opencast mines of Cottbus-Nord and J{\"a}nschwalde focus on (i) Late Quaternary geomorphodynamics and soil development and (ii) past land use and the legacy of agriculture and woodland use. Our results are similar to those in other regions in Central Europe, but we also observe regional differences caused by the local setting, e.g. intensification of soil erosion coinciding with the expansion of farming of cultivated lands in the Slavic Middle Ages. Our research reveals the largest archaeologically investigated area of historical charcoal production in the Northern European Lowland (NEL). We are clearly only beginning to understand the massive dimensions of charcoal production in the region.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchneiderBonhageHirschetal., author = {Schneider, Anna and Bonhage, Alexander and Hirsch, Florian and Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Spatial and temporal variability of soil physical properties on legacies of historic charcoal production}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2018, Vienna, Austria}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2018, Vienna, Austria}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {The spatial variability of soil physical properties on the landscape scale is often increased by anthropogenic land occupation, not only by current land use but also through the legacies of past land use systems. The remains of historic charcoal hearts are an example for such a disturbance of the soil landscape by former forestry. Such relict charcoal hearths (RCH) exhibit a clearly altered soil stratigraphy, most prominently characterized by a technogenic substrate layer on the soil surface, and their soil physical properties can considerably differ from those of surrounding forest soils. The aim of our study is to characterize the soil water and temperature regime on RHC in a pre-industrial charcoal production area in Brandenburg, Germany, as compared with the surrounding sandy forest soils. Soil properties were analyzed in profiles on and around hearth sites and are monitored in a sensor transect equipped with soil moisture sensors and pF-meters. Results of soil sample analyses show differences in density and porosity between the RCH soils and surrounding forest soils, not only in the technogenic layer but also in the buried soil layers on hearth sites. The soil water characteristic curves determined in the laboratory indicate a modified pore size distribution and lower plant available water contents in the RCH soils. Preliminary results of the ongoing soil water monitoring, however, show increased soil wetness in the RCH soils, along with lower soil moisture tensions. Furthermore, the measurements show higher variations of soil temperature in RCH soils. The results affirm that the legacies of historic charcoal production can increase the spatial variability of soil physical properties and therefore also of ecological site conditions in forest areas. The results of soil moisture monitoring suggest that a determination of soil physical parameters in the laboratory is not sufficient to characterize the spatio-temporal variations of the soil water regime.}, language = {en} } @incollection{TaklaRaabRaab, author = {Takla, Melanie and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {Mit dem GIS zur Landschaftsgeschichte. Datengrundlage und Forschungsansatz zum Modell der fr{\"u}hindustriellen Holzkohleproduktion in der J{\"a}nschwalder Heide}, series = {Ausgrabungen im Niederlausitzer Braunkohlenrevier 2009/2010}, booktitle = {Ausgrabungen im Niederlausitzer Braunkohlenrevier 2009/2010}, editor = {Schopper, Franz}, publisher = {Brandenburgisches Landesamt f{\"u}r Denkmalpflege und Arch{\"a}ologisches Landesmuseum}, address = {W{\"u}nsdorf}, isbn = {978-3-910011-73-1}, pages = {267 -- 273}, language = {de} } @incollection{RoeslerBoenischSchopperetal., author = {R{\"o}sler, Horst and B{\"o}nisch, Eberhard and Schopper, Franz and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {Pre-industrial Carcoal Production in southern Brandenburg and its impact on the environment}, series = {Landscape Archaeology between Art and Science}, booktitle = {Landscape Archaeology between Art and Science}, editor = {Kluiving, Sjoerd and Guttmann-Bond, Erika}, publisher = {Amsterdam University Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {978-90-8964-418-3}, pages = {167 -- 178}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RaabRaabSchneideretal., author = {Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas and Schneider, Anna and Hirsch, Florian and Takla, Melanie and Nicolay, Alexander and Bonhage, Alexander and M{\"u}ller, Frank and Heußner, Karl-Uwe and R{\"o}sler, Horst}, title = {Reconstructing anthropogenic landscape transformation in the surroundings of the ironwork Peitz (SE Brandenburg, Germany) - 16th to mid-19th centuries}, series = {4th International Landscape Archaeology Conference, Uppsala, 22nd - 25th August 2016}, booktitle = {4th International Landscape Archaeology Conference, Uppsala, 22nd - 25th August 2016}, publisher = {Department of archaeology and ancient history, Uppsala university,}, address = {Uppsala}, pages = {S. 152}, abstract = {Various sources provide information about land use history and landscape transformation. For a variety of reasons, the quality of information differs and is often discontinuous or incomplete. In this interdisciplinary study we take advantage of comprehensive archaeological data gathered by large-scale excavations that were necessary because of opencast lignite mining in Lusatia, Brandenburg, Germany. By using a GIS we integrate these archaeological findings with results from archival and literature studies, from historical maps, from landforms and soils as well as from analyses of shaded-relief maps derived from up-to-date LiDAR data. The long-term aim is to develop a palaeoenvironmental model and thus to reconstruct landscape changes caused by human activities. The focus of the study is the Peitz ironwork in SE Brandenburg, which was a large consumer of commodities for about 300 years. During the time it operated, extensive transformations are supposed to have affected the landscape in the vicinity because of wood consumption and especially charcoal production. Digital datasets about forested areas for different timespans reconstructed from historical maps were made available. In combination with dendrochronological dating of charred trees, the spatiotemporal dimension of charcoal kilns was determined. Also, sites of former bog iron ore mining could be identified. Moreover, the different sources contain further information about other forms of land uses such as agriculture, pastoralism and even viticulture. In conclusion we can highlight that the mosaic of past land use systems is different from the modern structure but that major changes in the forests have been retained.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{TaklaRaabRaab, author = {Takla, Melanie and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {Standort 4 - Eisenh{\"u}ttenwerk Peitz. Die fr{\"u}hindustrielle K{\"o}hlerei in der J{\"a}nschwalder Heide (Niederlausitz). Eine GIS-basierte Rekonstruktion des Wald- und Landschaftszustandes mithilfe historischer Karten ab dem 18. Jahrhundert}, series = {Tagungsband und Exkursionsf{\"u}hrer, Arbeitskreis Geoarch{\"a}ologie- Jahrestagung 2013, 2.-4.5.2013, BTU Cottbus}, booktitle = {Tagungsband und Exkursionsf{\"u}hrer, Arbeitskreis Geoarch{\"a}ologie- Jahrestagung 2013, 2.-4.5.2013, BTU Cottbus}, editor = {Raab, Thomas and Hirsch, Florian and Raab, Alexandra and Schopper, Franz and Freytag, Klaus}, publisher = {BTU Cottbus}, address = {Cottbus}, pages = {89 -- 97}, abstract = {Die hier vorgestellte Forschungsarbeit besch{\"a}ftigt sich mit der Rekonstruktion der Landschafts- und Umweltgeschichte mithilfe Geographischer Informationssysteme (GIS) und historischer Karten. In einem Modell sollen die r{\"a}umliche Dimension der K{\"o}hlerei, der damit verbundene Holzverbrauch, der Zustand der W{\"a}lder, die vorhandene Infrastruktur etc. errechnet und dargestellt werden. Zeitlicher Schwerpunkt ist die zweite H{\"a}lfte des 18. Jahrhunderts und die Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{TaklaRaabRaab, author = {Takla, Melanie and Raab, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {Die fr{\"u}hindustrielle K{\"o}hlerei in der J{\"a}nschwalder Heide (Tagebau J{\"a}nschwalde, Niederlausitz). Eine GIS-basierte Rekonstruktion des Wald- und Landschaftszustandes mithilfe historischer Karten ab dem 18. Jahrhundert}, series = {Tagungsband und Exkursionsf{\"u}hrer, Arbeitskreis Geoarch{\"a}ologie - Jahrestagung 2013, 2.-4.5.2013, BTU Cottbus}, booktitle = {Tagungsband und Exkursionsf{\"u}hrer, Arbeitskreis Geoarch{\"a}ologie - Jahrestagung 2013, 2.-4.5.2013, BTU Cottbus}, editor = {Raab, Thomas and Hirsch, Florian and Raab, Alexandra and Schopper, Franz and Freytag, Klaus}, publisher = {BTU Cottbus}, address = {Cottbus}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:co1-opus4-40619}, pages = {S. 47}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{RaabNaethHirschetal., author = {Raab, Thomas and Naeth, M. Anne and Hirsch, Florian and Raab, Alexandra}, title = {Contributing towards a conceptual model of soil-landscape co-evolution: observations from historic mining sites in Alberta, Canada}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {At the former Diplomat Mine near Forestburg, Alberta, Canada we find a diverse soil landscape which can help to conceptualize factors and processes controlling initial pedogenesis and soil distribution on very young landforms in prairie environments. Due to differing reclamation practices in the 1950s and landslides occurring after spoil dumping, four areas can be distinguished by GoogleMaps/LiDAR evaluation and onsite field survey: (i) not-mined, (ii) stock piled and unreclaimed, (iii) stock piled and reclaimed and (iv) affected by post-mining geomorphodynamics and quasi-natural redeposition. The parent material for areas (ii) to (iv) was initially dumped by spreaders but only (ii) didn't undergo further change. Landscape (iii) has seen levelling of the piles by heavy machinery. Features of landscape (iv) are formed by reshaping the originally dumped and levelled structures. This last landscape unit marks the rim of the former mine adjacent to the river valley. In practice, mining activities formed new valley slopes. In contrast to the naturally developed slopes the mine slopes were less stable. Vegetation, which could have hindered slope wash erosion, was missing after dumping the spoil slopes. Slopes were very steep (or practically undercut) and therefore, substrates were naturally re-located by mass movements such as sliding and slumping. Characteristic sliding and slumping structures can be identified in the close-ups of the LiDAR images. Both processes, mass movement and slope wash erosion, may have overlapped. Landscape (ii) is the most contrasting one. Dumped stock piles formed elongated, curved and steep ridges. These landforms do not have a natural analogue but clearly show their technological origin. Most interesting are differences in vegetation. South and southwest facing slopes are covered with grassland whereas north and northeast facing slopes are covered with aspen trees. Some of the ditches are filled with water and form small elongated ponds. The characteristic geomorphology of the prairie can be found in landscape (i). Distinct differences are found in properties and types of soils in these four landscapes. Natural soils and pile soils characteristically differ in parent material and soil horizons. No information is gathered yet for the reclaimed soils and the landslides soils due to prohibited access. However, based on what we find at the former Diplomat Mine we can conclude that distribution, development and properties of unreclaimed soils in historical open cast mines in Alberta are primarily controlled by parent material and topography. The geomorphological set-up is dominating the trajectory of vegetation development and post-mining geomorphodynamics. Contrasting slope aspects determine micro climatic conditions and lead to different vegetation types. This has likely had an effect on soil development and soil properties (especially carbon stocks). Further studies will be conducted to quantify these differing soil properties to refine this conceptual model of initial pedogenesis and soil distribution on very young landforms in the prairie landscapes.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HirschSchneiderNicolayetal., author = {Hirsch, Florian and Schneider, Anna and Nicolay, Alexander and Błaszkiewicz, Mirosław and Kordowski, Jarosław and Noryskiewicz, Agnieszka M. and Tyszkowski, Sebastian and Raab, Alexandra and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Late Quaternary landscape development at the margin of the Pomeranian phase (MIS 2) near Lake Wygonin (Northern Poland)}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 13 April - 17 May 2015}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 13 April - 17 May 2015}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} }