SOIL REPORT ON DRAYTON CURSUS, NEAR ABINGDON, OXFORDSHIRE.
Author(s): R I Macphail
Eight thin sections were used to study the soil micomorphology of prehistoric soils associated with probable tree throw pits and the contemporary Neolithic cursus bank at Drayton, Oxfordshire. Roman and later Thames alluvium was also investigated. Some areas of the early Holocene argillic brown earth soil cover were found to be turbated, probably by tree throw that was either the result of a major storm or caused by the toppling of dead trees killed by Neolithic people. Some fallen dead trees could have been burned in situ and before the construction of the cursus bank much charcoal became included in surface horizons. A rise in water table caused iron impregnation of the soil, whereas later alluviation produced iron depleted fabrics and a cover of pelo-calcareous gley soils, as chalklands upstream were eroded. The report contains one table, thirty colour plates, and supportive archaeological, dating and charcoal data (appendix 2).
- Report Number:
- 57/1990
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 45
- Keywords:
- Soil/Sediment
