Diffusion versus dispersal wave-of-advance models and Neolithic spread
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-09-20

In this talk we recall that Fisher's speed, often used to model waves of advance, is only an approximation. Using parameter values for humans, obtained from ethnographic and archaeological observations, we show that using Fisher's speed introduces an error of up to 50%. This problem is solved using dispersal (instead of diffusion) equations. A second improvement is to use cohabitation equations. Finally, including also cultural transmission, cohabitation dispersal equations have been recently used to show that only about 2% of farmers were involved in cultural diffusion (interbreeding and/or acculturation) in the spread of the Neolithic in Europe.

(Joaquim Fort)