Formation Processes in Archaeological Sites
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The goal of this course is to provide students with the basic knowledge to describe and characterize the archaeological deposits at the microscope.
Expected learning outcomes
Capability to describe archaeological deposits thin sections at the microscope and to provide their interpretation.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction: the microscopic record in archaeology.
Micromorphology of thin sections: history, undisturbed samples, sampling and preparation, the polarizing microscope.
The thin sections description of soils and archaeological deposits: descriptive criteria and basic concepts (fabric, microstructure, mineral and organic constituents, groundmass, C / F ratio, pedofeatures).
The micromorphology for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction: the frost features, the coarse illuviation, the onset of dry conditions, the formation of calcareous crusts, the relict features.
The micromorphology as geoarchaeological tool: features related to land use and to activities in settlement sites (pastoralism, hearths, floors, urban areas).
Study cases.
Micromorphology of thin sections: history, undisturbed samples, sampling and preparation, the polarizing microscope.
The thin sections description of soils and archaeological deposits: descriptive criteria and basic concepts (fabric, microstructure, mineral and organic constituents, groundmass, C / F ratio, pedofeatures).
The micromorphology for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction: the frost features, the coarse illuviation, the onset of dry conditions, the formation of calcareous crusts, the relict features.
The micromorphology as geoarchaeological tool: features related to land use and to activities in settlement sites (pastoralism, hearths, floors, urban areas).
Study cases.
Prerequisites for admission
To follow this course profitably, knowledge of the basic concepts of earth sciences is recommended.
Teaching methods
Lectures - traditional dispensing.
Teaching Resources
- Cremaschi M. (2000). Manuale di Geoarcheologia. Editori Laterza, Roma-Bari.
- Bullock P., Fedoroff N., Jongerius A., Stoops G. & Tursina T. (1985). Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Waine Research Publications, Wolverhampton.
- Courty, M.A, Goldberg, P. & Macphail, R. (1989). Soils and micromorphology in archaeology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Stoops G. (2003). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin sections. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
- Stoops G., Marcelino V. & Mees F. (2018). Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Elsevier, Oxford.
- Bullock P., Fedoroff N., Jongerius A., Stoops G. & Tursina T. (1985). Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Waine Research Publications, Wolverhampton.
- Courty, M.A, Goldberg, P. & Macphail, R. (1989). Soils and micromorphology in archaeology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Stoops G. (2003). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin sections. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
- Stoops G., Marcelino V. & Mees F. (2018). Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Elsevier, Oxford.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in the description of one thin section (of archaeological deposit) under the microscope.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours