Geological Methods for Archaeology [Hardcover]

This book discusses the application of geological methods and theory to archaeology. Written as a survey text covering appropriate methods and techniques taken from geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and geochronology, it shows the student the practicality and importance of each technique's use in solving archaeological problems. Specific techniques are illustrated by practical results obtained from the authors' use on archaeological digs.

With an international geographical scope, the book draws on sites from both hemispheres, including the Franchthi Cave in Greece, St. Catherines Island in the U.S., the Roman site of Drand in France, and Monte Verde, Chile. The authors also address applications in less traditional areas such as underwater, historical, industrial, and conservation archaeology.

1. The scope of archaeological geology
Part I: The archaeological site and its environment
2. Geomorphology in archaeology
3. Sediments and soils
Part II: Dating techniques
4. Chemical methods
5. Radioactive methods
6. Radiation-damage, cosmogenic, and atom-counting methods
7. Other chronological methods
Part III: Site Exploration
8. Archaeogeophysical exploration
9. Soil phosphate in archaeological surveys
Part IV: Artifact analysis
10. Archaeological materials: rocks and minerals
11. Instrumental analytical techniques
12. Metallic minerals and archaeological geology
13. Ceramics
14. Applications of stable isotopes in archaeological geology

Herz and Garrison (p viii) state that the purpose of their book . . . is to 'show archaeologists the many ways that geological sciences can help solve their problems.' The authors divide their book into four major sections with multiple chapters in each section. Part I, 'The Archaeological Site and Its Environment,' presents a discussion of geomorphology, sediments, and soils; Part II, 'Dating TechlS&