Techniques in Archaeological Geology

The archaeological geology of the Quaternary or the geological epoch during which humankind evolved is a scientific endeavor with much to offer in the fields of archaeology and palaeoanthropology. Earth science techniques offer diverse ways of characterizing the elements of past landscapes and archaeological facies. This book is a survey of techniques used in archaeological geology for the study of soils, sediments, rocks and minerals. The techniques presented represent those most commonly used today. They are discussed in detail and examples are provided, in many cases, to demonstrate their usefulness to archaeologists.

Résumé
From the reviews:

"This volume in the series 'Natural Science in Archeology' is meant as a survey of the techniques used in archeological survey. ... This volume thoroughly introduces the reader to practical concerns and earth science methods useful in the consideration of archaeological problems. It is a fine presentation of the diversity of roles the archaeological geologist can play in the investigation of the material remains of the interaction between man and nature." (P. Degryse, Geologica Belgica, Vol. 6 (3-4), 2003)

"This volume in the Natural Science in Archaeology Series is an overdue addition to the bookshelf of Earth scientists with an interest in archeology ... . The author does a respectable job of covering the basics in a succinct and easy-to-read manner. The text should serve as a useful reference and starting point for anyone wanting to investigate the currently available and applicable techniques for a particular archeological site or problem. ... is a useful reference book for both the archaeologist and geologist." (L. M. Mallory-Greenough, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 41, 2003)

"This compact book is a compendium of geological methods used or deserving to be used in archaeological field or landscape history research as well as for geological materials used for artefacts of various kinds. ... It is an amazing compendium that must have required a great effort; even after a quarter century in geoarchaeology I did not realise how many different things one might offer to assist our archaeological colleagues." (T. H. van Andel, Geological Magazine, Vol. 141 (3), 2004)

"This book, part of a series published by Springer entitled Natural Science in Archaeology, is in the words of the author, 'a personal view of how earth science can be used in archaeology'. ... this book does contain a great deal of detailed and useful information concerning a range of earth science methodologies which can be applied to archaeological research. It certainly complements other books on the subject ... and will be a valuable reference for both students and established practitioners of archaeological geology." (Andy Howard, Quarternary Science Reviews, Vol. 23, 2004)

Contenu

Introduction.- Survey and Mapping the Geomorphological and Geological Context.- Geophysical Techniques for Archaeology.- Field Sampling Techniques for Archaeological Sediments and Soils.- Analytical Techniques for Archaeological Sediments.- Petrography for Archaeological Geology.- Instrumental Analytical Techniques for Archaeological Geology.- Statistics in Archaeological Geology.- References.