Geochemical prospection and the identification of site activity areas
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2023
Department/School
Chemistry
Publication Title
Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, 2nd ed.
Abstract
The archaeological record is much more than distinct, intentionally produced features and objects, such as buildings, earthworks, hearths, ditches, pits, artefacts, and ecofacts. The analysis of spatial patterning in the geochemistry of soils and sediments has been deployed at a range of scales, from features, buildings to whole sites and wider landscapes. A challenge is that geochemical prospection and the identification of activity areas can rarely be effective if only a single analytical method is used. Geochemical prospection involves the identification of spatial patterning within features, buildings, sites, and landscapes, and therefore requires a degree of systematic sampling. The use of phosphates for archaeological prospection and site activity area analysis is dependent on its long-term stability and immobility in soils. Though phosphorus is by far the most widely measured element in archaeological soils for prospection purposes, many other elements are also affected by human activities and thus can be used as indicators.
Recommended Citation
Milek, K., Heron, C., Armitage, R. A., & Manoukian, N. (2023). Geochemical prospection and the identification of site activity areas. In A. M. Pollard, R. A. Armitage, & C. A. Makarewicz (Eds.), Handbook of archaeological sciences (2nd ed., pp. 1025–1044). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119592112.ch51
Comments
R. A. Armitage is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Chemistry.