Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) approach in the landscape archaeological studies (Case study: The dispersion of Middle Palaeolithic sites in the Miankouh region; Caharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran)

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10.22084/nb.2023.25893.2463

Abstract

Today, the Kernel Density Estimation approach is one of the most important approaches to illustrate the effective phenomena (ecological ecotopes) on the distribution of the ancient sites in a local-scale landscape. GIS tool as one of the analytical tools plays a role to identify task-specific locations. This tool along with MATLAB toolboxes topologically enhance our understanding of the impact of environmental factors on the exploitation pattern of the ancient societies from their surrounding environment.

By focusing on a statistical population of the Middle Palaeolithic (MP) period, this paper highlights the importance of the Kernel Density Estimation in studying MP sites/locales that were identified during the three-season archaeological surveys in the Miankouh region at west Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.

An analysis of the available evidence (177 points with XY coordinates) shows that there are two probable factors that seem to have contributed to creating four main Kernel of MP sites concentration throughout the Miankouh landscape. One is the permanent rivers with Cherty stone raw materials in the low altitude zone and the other is the existence of two natural seasonal pools and Pootak spring in the high altitude zone.

In terms of the Kernel Density Estimation, our results indicate that in general, four density kernels of sites can be assessed. The most concentration of sites (Kernel 1) was seen on terraces near Khersun and Bazoft rivers or on the slopes and hills at a close distance of them where there are strings of the abundant seasonal streams and gullies. Most locations overlooking these two rivers are covered with the river cherty raw materials. A high concentration of sites named Kernel 2 was detected on the slopes of valleys and flats (Pahnehs) around two natural seasonal pools and the Pootak spring in the high altitude zone. The other two concentrations (Kernel 3-4) are formed by the lower dispersion of sites in other parts of the low altitude zone within the tributary valleys.

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pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 November 2023

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