Radiogenic strontium isotope variability in the Valley of Oaxaca: A predictive isoscape for Mesoamerican paleomobility studies

A predictive isoscape model for radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes, developed using Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART), reveals distinct regional variability in the Valley of Oaxaca, enabling more precise tracking of human mobility within Mesoamerica. This study integrates modern plant samples, geological data, and environmental covariates to create a high-resolution model that outperforms previous approaches, demonstrating its potential for archaeological applications. By applying this model to Monte Albán's human 87Sr/86Sr data, researchers show how quantified uncertainty in local isotope ranges can refine interpretations of paleomobility, addressing gaps in baseline data that previously limited the method's broader use across Mesoamerica.

Pacheco-Forés, S. I., Gauthier, N., Carpenter, L. B., Gordon, G., & Knudson, K. J. (2025). Radiogenic strontium isotope variability in the Valley of Oaxaca: A predictive isoscape for Mesoamerican paleomobility studies. PLOS One, 20(12), e0338628. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0338628