Pollens
redraw the evolution of the vegetation before and after the occupations
Pollens
settle on the ground after each flowering. When the sediments are cored, samples
may be taken several centimeters apart. The earth and other materials are removed
from the samples chemically so as to leave only the pollens. Palynology specialists
count them by species of trees or plants and obtain statistics that reflect
the evolution of the vegetation in the region of the sample.
Diagram
of variations of pollens following the depth, obtained from core samplings taken
inside the village.
Prior
to the arrival of people on the site, a large number of deforestation operations
(horizontal arrows) around the lake resulted in the reduction of fir
pollens, sometimes accompanied by cereal and flax pollens, testifying to the
agricultural practices.
Carbon 14 analyses show that the region was occupied intermittently 600 to 700
years before the setting up of the Charavines village, however no archeological
remains have been found.
Agriculture was carried out during the period of occupation of the Charavines
village, as attested by a high percentage of cereals.
After the departure of the people, the land cleared during the occupation period
was invaded by the forest again, but the shores of the lake were used sporadically,
since there is evidence of fir trees cut down and the presence of cereals.
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