This study brings together research in a variety of disciplines to reconstruct the history of mining in Schwaz, Tirol. Mining activities impact the local vegetation in various ways and leave traces in the pollen content of wetlands. Furthermore, ore processing releases metals into the environment and alters the geochemical record. Palynological (pollen and micro-charcoal) and geochemical data from local wetlands allows the research team to trace coeval changes in vegetation and heavy metal deposition. The data is supplemented with archaeological and written evidence of human settlement, agricultural development, and ore mining and smelting operations in the area studies.
DOI: doi.org/10.5282/rcc/6200