Geoarchaeology and Archaeological Mineralogy: Proceedings of 6th Geoarchaeological Conference, Miass, Russia, 16-19 September 2019

This book discusses geophysical solutions, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry applications, X-ray and isotope analyses, and GIS technologies in geoarchaeology, as well as practical reconstructions of technological processes and the use of minerals and rocks by ancient societies in modern Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. It is intended for archaeologists, historians, museum workers, and geologists studying noble metals and copper.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of geoarchaeology, presenting a wide array of general problems and exploring innovative geophysical solutions, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry applications, X-ray and isotope analyses, and GIS technologies. It also conducts practical reconstructions of ancient technological processes, shedding light on the utilization of minerals and rocks by ancient societies in the territories of modern Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. Furthermore, it examines the characteristics of ores, metallurgical slags, and data on the composition and impurities of archaeological metals. With a focus on archaeologists, historians, museum professionals, and geologists studying noble metals and copper, this book serves as an invaluable resource for students, graduate students, experts, and anyone with an interest in the diverse applications of minerals throughout human history.

Introduction:
Geoarchaeology is a multidisciplinary field that combines the principles of archaeology, geology, and geophysics to investigate the past. It involves the analysis of soil, rock, and other materials to uncover information about ancient civilizations, their technologies, and their interactions with their environments. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of geoarchaeology, including geophysical solutions, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry applications, X-ray and isotope analyses, and GIS technologies.

Geophysical Solutions:
Geophysical techniques are used to detect and analyze archaeological features and materials. These techniques include seismic surveys, magnetic surveys, and remote sensing. Seismic surveys use sound waves to detect and map underground structures and artifacts. Magnetic surveys use magnetic fields to detect and map buried magnetic materials, such as iron ore deposits. Remote sensing uses satellite imagery and other sensors to detect and map archaeological features and materials.

X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Applications:
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is a powerful tool used in geoarchaeology to analyze the composition of materials. It involves bombarding materials with X-rays and measuring the wavelengths of the X-rays that are emitted. This information can be used to identify the composition of materials, such as minerals, metals, and ceramics. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is particularly useful for analyzing archaeological artifacts, as it can provide information about the age, origin, and provenance of the artifacts.

X-ray and Isotope Analyses:
X-ray and isotope analyses are used to determine the age and origin of materials. X-ray analysis involves bombarding materials with X-rays and measuring the wavelengths of the X-rays that are emitted. This information can be used to identify the composition of materials, such as minerals, metals, and ceramics. Isotope analysis involves measuring the isotopes of elements in materials. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. Different isotopes of an element have different chemical properties, and can be used to determine the age and origin of materials.

GIS Technologies:
GIS technologies are used to map and analyze archaeological features and materials. GIS involves the use of computers and software to create maps and databases of archaeological features and materials. This information can be used to identify patterns and trends in the distribution of archaeological features and materials. GIS is particularly useful for analyzing large datasets, such as those collected through remote sensing and other geophysical techniques.

Practical Reconstructions of Technological Processes:
Geoarchaeology involves the practical reconstruction of ancient technological processes. This involves the analysis of archaeological artifacts and materials to determine the techniques and materials used to create the artifacts. This information can be used to understand the evolution of technology and the development of ancient civilizations.

Use of Minerals and Rocks by Ancient Societies:
Geoarchaeology also examines the use of minerals and rocks by ancient societies. This involves the analysis of the distribution and abundance of minerals and rocks in ancient societies and the ways in which these materials were used to create tools, weapons, and other artifacts. This information can be used to understand the economic and social structures of ancient societies and the ways in which they interacted with their environments.

Characteristics of Ores, Metallurgical Slags, and Data on the Composition and Impurities of Archaeological Metals:
Geoarchaeology also examines the characteristics of ores, metallurgical slags, and data on the composition and impurities of archaeological metals. This involves the analysis of the minerals and metals found in ancient artifacts and the ways in which these materials were processed and used. This information can be used to understand the technological and economic development of ancient civilizations and the ways in which they interacted with other societies.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of geoarchaeology, including geophysical solutions, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry applications, X-ray and isotope analyses, and GIS technologies. It also examines practical reconstructions of technological processes used in ancient times and investigates the use of minerals and rocks by ancient societies in the territories of modern Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. The book is intended for archaeologists, historians, museum workers, and geologists studying noble metals and copper, as well as for students, graduate students, experts, and anyone interested in the use of various minerals at different stages of humanitys development.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030488666
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021