The sampling site lies 25 m east of chamber of Behy court tomb where a small patch of intact uncut peat remained.
A monolith 44 cm long was removed. Total depth of peat at sampling point (TDP; adjust for shrinkage) 180 cm.
The pollen spectra (16 in all) start at 3 cm (i.e. 3–4 cm: mineral soil immediately beneath the peat) to -30 cm, i.e. 30 to 29 cm ABOVE the peat/mineral soil interface. Peat near the base (-7 to -19 cm) was charcoal-rich.
The age/depth model gives the following chronology:[≥2600, pre-bog development]; pollen profile: 2520-210 BC, i.e. late Neolithic/Chalcolithic to mid-Iron Age.
LOI and tephra investigations were also carried out. A distinct tephra layer at -28 cm (ca. 280 BC according to age/depth model). Tephra geochemically characterised. The results of the tephra investigations have yet to be published.
The age/depth curve for BHY V is a smooth spline curve (smooth factor = 0.2) that is based on the five available 14C dates and a surface age estimate (peat thickness: 180 cm, i.e. 50 cm added to compensate for peat shrinkage. Surface peat is regarded as dating to AD 1950). This is the age/depth model used in the EGQSJ publication (in press, 12/2019).
A 'pine flush' is not recorded but ca. 2% Pinus in mineral soil and basal peat samples; these samples dominated by Betula; little Calluna. Very sharp Betula to Poaceae switch near base (cf. hiatus).
These investigations relating to Céide Fields were carried out in PRU, NUIG, part-funded by The Heritage Council (of Ireland). The aim was to provide an environmental context for the establishment and use of the prehistoric stone-wall field system, and an overall chronological framework and an environmental history of the area.
