The Peopling of the North Atlantic: Isotopic Results from Norway

Strontium isotopic analysis of over 200 samples from Norway, including human remains and floral/faunal specimens, reveals that coastal populations exhibit lower strontium ratios (average 0.713) than expected from local geology due to marine influences like sea spray and diet. This finding challenges assumptions about prehistoric migration patterns in the North Atlantic, suggesting Norway as a key homeland for early colonists. The study's comprehensive dataset—comprising 144 human samples and 56 bioavailable references—provides critical baseline data for tracing population movements at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bryggen, Trondheim, and Hamar.

Price, T. D., & Naumann, E. (2014). The Peopling of the North Atlantic: Isotopic Results from Norway. Journal of the North Atlantic, 7(sp7), 88–102. https://doi.org/10.3721/037.002.sp706