Aplicación de técnicas liquenométricas en la arqueología de Patagonia utilizando Rhizocarpon subgénero Rhizocarpon

GARIBOTTI, I., K. BORRAZZO, L.A. BORRERO

BOSQUES, MONTAÑAS Y CAZADORES Investigaciones Arqueológicas en Patagonia Meridional

CONICET

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2011; p. 85 - 103

Lichenometry has great potential for its application in archeology. However, there are many methodological and ecological aspects that have to be considered before using it as an absolute dating method. In this study we summarize the results of previous applications of lichenometryto archaeological research and estimate growth rates of the lichens Rhizocarpon subgenus Rhizocarpon for its application in the southern Patagonian steppe. In addition, we evaluate the influence of environmental variability created by the east-west precipitation gradient across the Andes on lichen growth and its implications for obtaining reliable lichenometric dates in the region. Diametral growth rates of the Rhizocarpon subgenus in the southern Patagonian steppe are between 0.061 y 0.184 mm yr-1. Growth rates increase significantly and monotonically with total annual precipitation amounts.