Siberian permafrost preserves ancient bones with moderate quality
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Researchers examined bone samples from 71 individuals buried at Tunnug 1, an archaeological site in the Uyuk Valley of Tuva Republic, Russia.
The site contains remains from both the Early Scythian period and the later Kokel culture, dating from the 9th century BCE to the 4th century CE.
Scientists used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomography to assess how well the bones had been preserved over time, focusing on the effects of freezing and thawing cycles common in the permafrost environment. The study found that the bones showed moderate preservation, with scores of 2 to 4 on the Oxford Histological Index. While some evidence of biological and chemical breakdown occurred in six individuals, every bone sample displayed enlarged canaliculi, tiny channels within the bone tissue.
Researchers also observed microcracks in all the remains, but these were only visible with scanning electron microscopy. The team could not connect any specific burial practices to variations in bone preservation, although they noted that bones found deeper in the ground tended to be better preserved.
The researchers determined that the combined effects of permafrost and repeated freezing and thawing made it difficult to isolate the precise cause of bone degradation, demonstrating that multiple factors contribute to how remains change over time. They recommend further research on how freezing temperatures affect human remains.
