Reconstruction of Fire History Using ‘Dry’ Sediments, An Approach for Microcharcoal Studies from the Sierras Pampeanas, NW Argentina

Abstract

A new accessible and easy method for studying past fire events using ‘dry sediments’ is presented. The method was developed for analysing samples from 17 locations in the Ambato Valley, NW Argentina, to study fire regimes in the area. Based on earlier researchers’ methods, guidelines to use microcharcoals in ‘dry’ sediments as a palaeoenvironmental proxy are provided. The procedures outlined include sampling/extraction in the field, preparations of the samples, laboratory analysis and quantification of the samples. The new approach was useful to meet the objectives and answer the questions initially proposed in our research about past fire regimes affecting the past Aguada society.