Spatial pattern of δ18O water isotope in the Argentinean Central West: their potential to model human mobility at archaeological scale

NEME, G.; NAGAOKA, L.; A. GIL; C. OTAOLA; E. PERALTA

San Francisco

Congreso; 86 SAA Annual Meeting; 2020

Society for American Archaeologist

This paper presents the δ18O isotopes results based on a new southern Mendoza water sampling. Using GIS the δ18O isotope information from water sources is modeled in regional isoscapes. With this base line we discuss human mobility, analyzing three archaeological cases. In total 92 water source samples from rivers, creeks, springs, snow, lagoons, and water holes, places among 3200 and 400 masl were analyzed. All of this data are discussed together with 158 human bone samples from hydroxyapatite from southern Mendoza archaeological sites between 34° and 37° SL. The results indicate a strong correspondence between δ18O water areas with δ18O human samples. Also, some of the results suggest changes in the mobility pattern trough time.