Holocene dust dynamics archives in archaeological ruins in arid and semi-arid environments in the Southern Levant

Abstract Ruins of archaeological structures, mainly dating to the Bronze Age till Byzantine period, were investigated in a case study Petra region southern Jordan and northern Negev desert Israel. They are covered by post-abandonment debris sediments which provided parent material initial soils now developed on ruins. Such have so far rarely been studied although they likely contain significant aeolian dust fraction because structures wall remains may act as effective traps. We analyzed different types structures: cult sites hilltops, runoff-irrigated terraces slopes, cisterns including associated cleanout mounds. As well, we collected current nearby dry marble It was expected that various ruins location would matter for sediment properties, but substrate composition all similar. This suggests most fine fractions primarily supplied wind whereas fluvial processes only re-distributed sediments. A major contribution from local weathered rocks could be observed region, not Negev, seems connected with geology. In situ pedogenesis both investigation regions is negligible. The seem collectors, their cannot directly compared Analogies collectors can made: depending design, traps gather differently. Standard characterized similar size settling samples average deposition ruins, dissimilar regard particle distribution contents trace elements. Sediments show finer textures higher elements indicate preferential fixation silt clay against sand relatively depleted clay. due crusts clast covers hilltop found surface pavements stones pottery sherds. These mirror effect pavements. addition, suggest precipitation during sedimentation, particular snow, enhanced (possibly clay-coated) silt. include remote sources well “recycled” paleosols. Average accretion rates calculated ~ 0.14 mm/year, good agreement results collectors. exceed Pleistocene loess Negev. natural soils, underlining considered important role mechanisms.