High resolution reconstruction of modern charcoal production kilns: An integrated approach combining dendrochronology, micromorphology and anthracology in the French Pyrenees

Numerous charcoal kiln remains can still be found throughout the world, evidencing wood harvesting related to former industries. These represent effective sources and tools for studying (i) pre-industrial pressures on forest resources (ii) past strategies woodland management. However, radiocarbon dating (AMS), which is main tool reconstruct chronology of manufacturing activity, doesn't provide sufficiently accurate dating, especially post-1650 period, due broad probability range dates resulting from wiggles in calibration curve. In order overcome limitation therefore refine modern manufacturing, this paper proposes apply an integrated approach combining archaeology, micromorphology, anthracology dendrochronology. To characterise archaeological record a target terrace “Forêt de Bernadouze”, located historical iron production valley Northern Pyrenees, we combined classical stratigraphic analysis with micromorphological study. The results highlight multiperiod nature terrace, i.e. palimpsest multiple episodes, revealing two major phases marked by abandonment period between them. Subsequently, constructed beech charcoal-ring (n = 49) cross-dated new Bernadouze” reference freshly felled, living trees 24) obtain annual resolution ring formation. Based reconstructed master covering 1879–2016 were able calibrate 1881–1941 period. Consequently, dated activity performed during 1924–1942 identified shift rate use one-off high-intensive use. This study also provides insights regarding particular operating timing charcoal-making practices connection silvicultural treatments.