Reconstructing the heterogeneity of past woodlands in anthracology using the spatial distribution of charcoals in archaeological layers: Applied to the postglacial occupation of the Abeurador cave (Hérault) in the South of France

Previous methodological developments in the field of anthracology have led to definition rigorous sampling methods archaeological contexts, which provide highly accurate and reliable taxonomic frequency spectra as a basis for understanding past woodland vegetation. However, fuelwood taxon represent synthetic picture forest composition environs an site. Our aim this paper is describe heterogeneity distribution. The Abeurador cave (Hérault) south France, has previously provided exceptionally rich palaeoecological study. We further explore spatial distributions charcoal taxa found scatters from two layers dated Mesolithic (Preboreal). frequencies abundant unimodal distribution sampled grid squares, close normal ratio s2/m (variance/mean) termed ‘distribution index’, estimates regularity each squares. hypothesized that layer could be considered its statistical (i.e. probability distribution) firewood collection catchment at given time, since quantity fluctuates assemblage according collection, relating (or accessibility) environment. index was then used estimate palaeoenvironmental thus random, uniform or clustered On basis, we propose mapped restitution evolution main species surroundings during Early Holocene, integrated with whole sequence dynamics.