5991 - Modelling dispersal dynamics from radiocarbon data

This paper reviews some methodological problems in the use of radiocarbon dates to reconstruct episodes of archaeologically-recorded human dispersal. Much effort has been expended estimating speeds and directions of spatial population expansion in such cases. An appropriate application for these techniques is the first peopling of the Americas. We discuss techniques for estimating front speeds and dispersal vectors, and consider some limitations due to incomplete archaeological sampling and imprecise radiocarbon dating. We also summarise results from a recent collaborative compilation of dates from previously-excavated sites in South and Central America

Keywords: C14, dispersal, Paleoindan

Author: James, Steele (University College London, United Kingdom/Ver Königr)