TY - GEN A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Eltaher, Mahmoud A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Breuß, Michael A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Schneider, Anna T1 - A modified Mask region‐based convolutional neural network approach for the automated detection of archaeological sites on high‐resolution light detection and ranging‐derived digital elevation models in the North German Lowland T2 - Archaeological Prospection Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.1806 SN - 1099-0763 VL - 28 IS - 2 SP - 177 EP - 186 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Hirsch, Florian A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Raab, Thomas T1 - Hot spots and hot zones of soil organic matter in forests as a legacy of historical charcoal production T2 - Forest Ecology and Management N2 - Human land use often leads to distinct modifications of soils within small, clearly delimited areas. Legacy effects of past land use are also abundant in recent forest areas, but are hardly considered in ecosystem assessment and soil mapping. The soils on relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) are a widespread example for such land use legacy soils in forests. Soils on RCHs differ clearly from surrounding forest soils in their stratigraphy and properties, and are most prominently characterized by a technogenic substrate layer with high contents of charcoal and thus soil organic matter (SOM). Although RCH soils can clearly contribute to the SOM stocks of forest soils, their relevance on the landscape scale has hardly been quantified. In this paper we analyze and discuss the distribution and effects of RCH soils across scales for forests in the state of Brandenburg, Germany, with a focus on SOM stocks. Our analysis is based on a large-scale mapping of RCHs from digital elevation models (DEMs), combined with a linear regression model of SOM stocks in RCH soils. The spatial distribution of RCH soils in the study region has a scale dependent heterogeneity. The large-scale variation in site densities is related to the concentration of charcoal production to specific forest areas while the small-scale variation is related to the irregular distribution of single RCHs within the charcoal production fields. Up to 1.5 % of the surface are covered by RCH soils in the forest areas within the study region. The results also show that RCHs can significantly contribute to the SOM stocks of forests, even where they cover only a small fraction of the soil surface, with up to 18 % additional SOM for forest areas. Because of the heterogeneous distribution of RCHs, the SOM stock additions depend on the scale of observation. Our results suggest that RCH SOM additions can be overestimated when sites in small areas (< 1 km²) are analyzed; and that characteristic spatial concentration patterns of RCHs are even observable when values are aggregated to large areas (25 km² and more). Aggregating effects to irregularly-sized forest administrative units resulted in maps that well represent the spatial distribution of RCH soils and SOM. The study highlights that considering land use legacy effects can be relevant for the results of soil mapping and inventories; and that prospecting and mapping land use legacies from DEMs can contribute to improving such approaches. KW - Anthropogenic soils KW - relict charcoal hearths KW - soil organic matter KW - pyrogenic carbon KW - GIS Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119846 SN - 1872-7042 VL - 504 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Hirsch, Florian A1 - Birkhofer, Klaus A1 - Drohan, Patrick J. A1 - Wilmking, Martin A1 - Kreyling, Jürgen A1 - Malik, Ireneusz A1 - Wistuba, Małgorzata A1 - Maaten, Ernst van der A1 - Maaten-Theunissen, Marieke van der A1 - Urich, Tim T1 - Do small landforms have large effects? A review on the legacies of pre-industrial charcoal burning T2 - Geomorphology N2 - Relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) are small, anthropogenic landforms resulting from past charcoal burning and reaching significant land coverage in pre-industrial mining areas. We review three coupled legacies linked by RCH development: (i) a landscape-scale geomorphic effect, (ii) a unique soil fingerprint, and (iii) an evolving novel ecosystem. The history and technique of charcoal production are described to clarify legacy effects. Applying a recently presented morpho-genetic catalogue is useful for classified mapping of RCH findings. The RCH numbers and calculated RCH densities per study region vary greatly and impose uncertainties due to insufficient methods causing over- or underestimations. Areas with high RCH densities between 50 and 500 RCH/km2 seem reasonable. Machine learning-based remote sensing techniques are promising approaches with which to better assess the full scale of charcoal burning legacies. RCH soil properties feature dark charcoal-rich technogenic substrate layers classified as Auh horizons according to the World Reference Base with significantly increased C contents. These Auh horizons can also exhibit specific physical and chemical properties, such as relatively low bulk density, high porosity, high plant available water content, low thermal conductivity and differences in cation exchange capacity or nutrient status. However, relevant studies are rare, and thus, the effects may differ by study region. Regarding vegetation, there seem to be four main effects: changes in forest structure, species composition, recruitment pattern and productivity. The number of studies on this issue is, however, also very limited. Even fewer studies have examined the soil fauna in RCHs; thus, the reported effects cannot be used to draw general conclusions. Notably, RCH research has made considerable progress in the last five years, especially in the Light Detection and Ranging-based mapping of these small landforms and identification of RCH-specific soil properties, but ecological legacies are not well understood; thus, more interdisciplinary and integrative studies are needed. KW - Soil KW - Ecosystem KW - Forestry KW - Land Use KW - Anthropocene KW - Relict Charcoal Hearth (RCH) KW - Charcoal Kiln Remain (CKR) Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108332 SN - 0169-555X VL - 413 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Hirsch, Florian A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Schneider, Marcus A1 - Bauriegel, Albrecht T1 - Quaternary and geoarcheology in Lower Lusatia T2 - DEUQUA Special Publications N2 - Open-cast lignite mines in Lower Lusatia provide unique insights into human-induced environmental changes in the Northern European Lowland and improve our understanding of Quaternary landscape dynamics. The excursion will focus on soils and sediments of Late Pleistocene and Holocene age that have been modified by land use since the Slavic Middle Ages. In the vicinity of the open-cast mine Jänschwalde and in the Tauer forest north of Cottbus characteristic remains of historical charcoal production, a ridge-and-furrow system and late Quaternary rubification in soils are presented. Y1 - 2022 UR - https://deuquasp.copernicus.org/articles/4/59/2022/ U6 - https://doi.org/10.5194/deuquasp-4-59-2022 SN - 2625-8137 VL - 4 SP - 59 EP - 71 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Bonhage, Alexander T1 - Legacies of past land use : mapping anthropogenic landforms in forest areas of eastern Bavaria, Germany T2 - Geoarchaeology N2 - Reconstructing (pre‐)historic land use distribution is essential for understanding past human societies and their impacts on the environment. Various land use forms result in distinct alterations of surface morphology, which are often well preserved but rarely described within forest areas. The interpretation of LiDAR Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) can greatly enhance our insight into the geoarchaeological records of woodlands. This study examines the legacies of past land use in forested areas of Upper Palatinate, Germany, utilizing LiDAR DEMs to map anthropogenic relief features. We comprehensively mapped land use legacy landforms (LULLs) that occur with considerable frequency in the study area, that is, former agricultural field systems, road remnants, abandoned ponds, relict charcoal hearths, mining legacies, and indicators of anthropogenically induced soil erosion. Results reveal that 17% of the forested area is affected by LULLs, with the largest areas covered by former field systems, roads, and ponds. Characteristic LULL associations reflect past agricultural and charcoal production landscapes. While erosion indicators often coincide with field systems and roads, natural factors mainly influence their distribution. Comparison with historical maps suggests pre‐19th‐century abandonment of most LULLs and good preservation of anthropogenic relief modifications. Our results underscore the enduring impact of past land use on present woodland ecosystems and emphasize the importance of considering forest areas in the analysis of past human–landscape interactions. Y1 - 2025 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.22032 SN - 0883-6353 VL - 40 (2025) IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 18 PB - Wiley ER - TY - GEN A1 - Hirsch, Florian A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Maaten-Theunissen, Marieke van der A1 - Maaten, Ernst van der A1 - Räbiger, Christin A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Raab, Thomas T1 - Soil properties and tree growth at medieval ridge and furrow sites in Brandenburg, northeastern Germany T2 - Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science N2 - 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. KW - anthropogenically modified soils KW - climate sensitivity KW - dendroecology KW - historic agriculture KW - land‐use legacies Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.202200345 SN - 1436-8730 SN - 1522-2624 VL - 186 IS - 4 SP - 417 EP - 427 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Ouimet, William A1 - Völkel, Jörg A1 - Ramezany, Shaghayegh T1 - From site to state – Quantifying multi-scale legacy effects of historic landforms from charcoal production on soils in Connecticut, USA T2 - Catena Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2023.107426 SN - 0341-8162 VL - 232 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Malik, Ireneusz A1 - Bohr, Marcin A1 - Wistuba, Małgorzata A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Woskowicz-Ślęzak, Beata T1 - Multi-Period Ore Exploitation in Upper Silesia, Central Europe T2 - Journal of Field Archaeology Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/00934690.2023.2200583 SN - 0093-4690 VL - 48 IS - 5 SP - 366 EP - 379 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Drohan, Patrick A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Raab, Alexandra T1 - An initial geopedological survey and description of historic raised beds in north-western Ireland T2 - Geomorphology N2 - 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. KW - Soil Science KW - Geomorphology KW - Landscape History KW - Ridge and Furrow KW - Lazy Beds Y1 - 2025 U6 - https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.109778 SN - 1872-695X VL - 481 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Elsevier ER - TY - GEN A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Malik, Ireneusz A1 - Wistuba, Malgorzata A1 - Verschoof-van der Vaart, Wouter T1 - Land use legacy landforms at the UNESCO Heritage Site Tarnowskie Góry, Upper Silesia, Poland : stratigraphy, soils and age T2 - Geoarchaeology N2 - Metallurgy in Upper Silesia (Poland) has a long tradition of international significance, which was emphasized in 2017 when the historic silver mine in Tarnowskie Góry 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. KW - Geoarchaeology KW - Mining Landscape KW - Landscape History Y1 - 2024 U6 - https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.22028 SN - 1520-6548 VL - 40 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Wiley ER - TY - GEN A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Bonhage, Alexander A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Raab, Thomas A1 - Rösler, Horst A1 - Heußner, Karl-Uwe A1 - Hirsch, Florian T1 - Spatial distribution of relict charcoal hearths in the former royal forest district Tauer (SE Brandenburg, Germany) T2 - Quaternary International N2 - 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. Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2017.07.022 SN - 1040-6182 VL - Vol. 511 SP - 153 EP - 165 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schneider, Anna A1 - Takla, Melanie A1 - Nicolay, Alexander A1 - Raab, Alexandra A1 - Raab, Thomas T1 - A Template-matching Approach Combining Morphometric Variables for Automated Mapping of Charcoal Kiln Sites T2 - Archaeological Prospection N2 - 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. Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.1497 SN - 1099-0763 VL - 22 IS - 1 SP - 45 EP - 62 ER -