Geochemical ­Prospection­ and the Identification ­of Site­ Activity ­Areas

Milek, Karen; Heron, Carl; Armitage, Ruth Ann; Manoukian, Nyree

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.

Citation

Milek, K., Heron, C., Armitage, R. A., & Manoukian, N. (2023). Geochemical ­Prospection­ and the Identification ­of Site­ Activity ­Areas. In M. Pollard, R. A. Armitage, & C. A. Makarewicz (Eds.), Handbook of Archaeological Sciences (1025-1044). (2nd Edition). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119592112.ch51

• Online Publication Date: Feb 10, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 5, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 11, 2025
• Publisher: Wiley
• Pages: 1025-1044
• Series Number: Volume 2
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Book Title: Handbook of Archaeological Sciences
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119592112.ch51
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1647602
• Contract Date: Jun 29, 2022