Ancient Atmospheric Lead Pollution

• Published in: Inquiry@Queen's Undergraduate Research Conference Proceedings
• Main Author: Varaschin, Julian
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Queen's University 2016
• Subjects: Greenland
• Online Access: https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/inquiryatqueens/article/view/8388

In the early 90s, evidence was found in ice cores taken from Greenland of increased levels of ancient atmospheric lead, preserved by way of the annual precipitation that eventually formed into ice sheets. Since that time, similar records of atmospheric lead pollution have been uncovered in myriad other naturally forming deposits, including lake sediments and bogs. These records of lead pollution are presumed to reflect an increase in anthropogenic atmospheric lead pollution as metal became more heavily utilized by ancient peoples. This pollution confirmed for many the size and sophistication of the Roman economy. The records exhibit a clear peak around the beginning of the first millennium, roughly the midpoint of the Roman Empire and such levels were not seen again until after the industrial revolution was well underway. This peak in atmospheric lead is thought to show the climax of Roman Industry, followed by a subsequent decline and historians and scientists have sought to use this evidence as a proxy for the ancient world economy, but more specifically for the so called rise and fall of the Roman Empire. This presentation will explore the science behind linking the atmospheric lead pollution to Roman mining activities and why lead pollution is so strongly thought to reflect the roman economy. Alternative theories as to how atmospheric lead was produced in such quantities will be explored, including, increased agriculture and wood burning. Lastly, confounding factors will be considered such as volcanism and other ancient sources, including mining in Asia Minor and Han China.