This reanalysis tested earlier claims, based on strontium isotope ratios, that much of the maize and timber at Chaco Canyon came from distant mountains. Using frequentist tests and Bayesian mixing models, the authors found that candidate source areas overlap isotopically, so the origin of the maize cannot be pinned to a single source.
Key numbers
- The paper is a statistical reanalysis of compiled isotope-ratio data and reports no exposure-relevant strontium concentrations.
Methods (brief)
Compiled strontium isotope ratios for maize, wood and potential geochemical sources were compared with frequentist tests for source separability and Bayesian mixing models for source attribution uncertainty.
Evidence fitness
Supports caution about overlapping isotope signatures when strontium ratios are used to trace food origin. It does not support any exposure or toxicity statement.
Limitations
Relies on previously published data; archaeological foods only.
Related evidence
Update history
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