A spatiotemporal gradient in the anthropization of Pyrenean landscapes. Preliminary report

A preliminary analysis of the timing landscape anthropization in southern-central Pyrenees shows occurrence an elevational gradient from Bronze Age (basal belts) to Middle Ages (alpine belts). This relationship is statistically significant and suggests average rate 40 m elevation per century. The most clear between Roman occupation, suggesting a progressive upward trend south with likely involvement Iberian cultures. During Ages, massive pattern subalpine/alpine areas observed; this chronologically consistent incursion northern cultures crossing development extensive high-mountain pastoralism horizontal transhumance. In general, progression has occurred during warm climatic phases. Further work needed confirm these observations, especially few available paleoecological studies, notably basal montane belts. It could be interesting develop similar studies other Pyrenean regions mountain ranges.