Hydrological modelling of water-level changes in an area of archaeological significance: a case study from Flag Fen, Cambridgeshire, UK

Susan Wagstaff, James Cheetham, Alice Davis, Jim Williams, Zoe Outram, Debbie Priddy, Henry Chapman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
280 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Concern exists regarding the long-term viability of the internationally important archaeological remains of the Flag Fen site near Peterborough. This paper describes a hydrogeological numerical groundwater model which has been used to understand the groundwater situation with regard to the archaeology, including drainage impacts, and also to explore future scenarios. Observed and modelled groundwater levels have been interpreted using three zones: the ‘dry’ zone 1 above the seasonal maximum water table; zone 2 of seasonal water table fluctuation; and a deeper zone 3 of permanent saturation. Archaeological wood is best preserved in Zone 3. Much of the Bronze Age wooden structure is located within Zone 2 or above. The hydrological conditions are therefore not ideal for the long-term in situ preservation of the material. Groundwater modelling indicates that the main factor controlling groundwater levels in the area is artificial drainage. The approach would be applicable to other wet-preserved archaeological sites.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)156-169
Number of pages14
JournalConservation and Management of Archaeological Sites
Volume18
Issue number1-3
Early online date10 Sept 2016
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 10 Sept 2016

Keywords

  • hydrogeology
  • modelling
  • preservation in peat
  • groundwater-level
  • fluctuation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Archaeology

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