Bryan Branton
Previous Education
B.A. (Hons), Archaeology, Memorial University, 2026
Supervisors
Keywords
Archaeoentomology, Environmental Archaeology, Human-Environment Interactions, Peat Bogs, Micro-Excavation, L’Anse aux Meadows, Sampling Methodologies.
Research Statement
The goal of my research is to determine the extent to which beetle (Coleoptera) populations at L’Anse aux Meadows (LAM) changed over the course of the Norse occupation of the site. To accomplish this, a monolith sample taken from the peat bog at LAM will undergo micro-excavation to identify 'micro-layers' that represent fine-scale changes through time preserved within the peat. Insect fossils recovered from these layers will then be sorted and identified to determine how beetle populations changed throughout the Norse occupation, and whether these changes may be associated with accidental introductions or changes in land use.
Additionally, I seek to further investigate micro-excavation techniques as a methodological tool within environmental archaeology, assessing how detailed, controlled excavation of monolith samples in a laboratory setting can enhance stratigraphic interpretation and improve the targeting of insect fossil assemblages for analysis.
Contact