Spatial variations in biosphere ⁸⁷ Sr/ ⁸⁶ Sr in Britain

TLDR

Strontium isotopes are a powerful tool for investigating geographical origins, but provenance assignment requires reference maps; marine‑derived strontium from rainwater and coastal spray significantly contributes to the British biosphere, especially on the western seaboard with high rainfall and prevailing westerly winds. This paper presents a map of strontium isotope variations across Britain for use in archaeological and other studies. It is produced by direct measurement of strontium isotope compositions of biosphere components, predominantly plants. The map characterizes biosphere signatures of specific lithologies, demonstrating a globally applicable technique. Supplementary materials, including methods, data tables, and a full‑size figure, are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18388.

Abstract

Abstract: Strontium isotopes are a powerful tool for investigating the geographical origins of people and animals but assignment of provenance requires reference maps and databases. This paper presents a map of strontium isotope variations across Britain for use in archaeological and other studies, and is produced by direct measurement of strontium isotope compositions of biosphere components, predominantly plants. The map characterizes the biosphere signature of specific lithologies: a technique that is applicable worldwide. Marine-derived strontium, from both rainwater and coastal sea-splash and spray, is an important contribution to the British biosphere, particularly on the western seaboard, which is subject to high rainfall and prevailing westerly winds. Supplementary material: Methods, full data table, and full-size version of Figure 1b are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18388 .