Contour Dataset for the Jazira Region of Syria

This contour dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This contour dataset was generated to determine if higher elevations affected rainfall patterns, which in turn, influenced water runoff. Higher precipitation and runoff could influence settlement patterns as water could be collected at lower elevations for the irrigation of short season cultigens. The contour dataset was also used to generate digital elevation models (DEM) to demonstrate the effects of elevations and trade route patterns in the Jazira region. The contour intervals are 50 metres with the exception of those at the highest elevations where they are 25 metres.