Risk and Resources: An Evaluation of the Ability of National Soil Datasets to Predict Post-Depositional Processes in Archaeological Sites and Heritage at Risk

Previous studies have demonstrated the vast range of physical, chemical and biological processes that influence preservation archaeological sites, yet characterisation at site-level remains largely unexplored. National datasets on soil type, land use erosion modelling potential to predict localised impacts but remain an untapped resource in evaluation heritage risk. Using early medieval Scotland as a case study, this paper explores detail some primary factors which impacted record degree site-based evidence contained excavation reports compares with national (Land Cover Map 2015, Soil Information for Scottish Soils Topsoil pH) coastal models (Dynamic Coast Coastal Change Assessment Erosion Susceptibility Model). This provides valuable information Scotland’s settlement, well methodology using remote assessment post-depositional across broader landscape. Results indicate agriculture, bioturbation aggressive conditions are among most significant impacting remains. While examined inform management strategies these processes, their is limited by number theoretical methodological issues. Moving forward, site-specific characterise environment will be crucial developing baseline assessments advance both local global understandings destructive soil-mediated decay.