Evaluating Archaeological Field Survey with Tephrochronology: A Case Study from Southern Iceland

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Evaluating Archaeological Field Survey with Tephrochronology: A Case Study from Southern Iceland

Abstract

This photo essay reports on the field recording and interpretation of tephra (volcanic ash) stratigraphy in Skaftártunga, Iceland. Trenches were dug to establish whether topographic features observed on the surface were archaeological structures or the result of earth’s surface processes. Excavations exposed about 35 square metres of vertical stratigraphy. Although all the features proved to be natural formations, the stratigraphy did record phases of erosion and stabilisation reflecting changing human impacts on the landscape. This illustrates the potential of an outstanding tephra record to enhance our understanding of the past.

Hreiðarsdóttir, E.Ó., Þórsdóttir, K. and Dugmore, A.J. (2025) Evaluating Archaeological Field Survey with Tephrochronology: A Case Study from Southern Iceland. Archaeology Now 4, 1-11.