SPARC focuses on perennial high-mountain snow patches (PSPs) as long-term hunting environments. In certain regions, PSPs have been shown to contain important prehistoric artefacts, ecofacts and sites. The low-temperature conditions associated with these sites make for excellent preservation allowing organic remains to survive within the ice, sometimes for thousands of years. In recent years, PSPs have been receding. Thus potentially important cultural and climatic specimens and information are subjected to exposure and deterioration. The SPARC project will address three important and interrelated challenges regarding the on-going developments in these high-mountain environments, both internationally and in Norway in particular.
Firstly, there is the challenge of securing information related to PSP artefacts and heritage environments and uncovering their cultural historical and environmental significance. Secondly, to investigate PSPs and their development as natural systems in order to be able to ascertain their potential as archives of climatic information, and predict future challenges regarding heritage preservation. Thirdly, to underpin heritage management, organization and dissemination. Ultimately, SPARC aims to develop an inter-disciplinary methodology to contribute new research-based knowledge to effectively address the complex, inter-related and multidimensional challenges posed by PSPs.
In order to strengthen the Norwegian research base, SPARC brings together a number of national and international research institutions that will contribute to this glacial archaeological project. Our hope is that SPARC will become a focal point for research exchange both nationally and with other regions of the world where such environments are recognized.
