Geoarchaeological research in the humid tropics: A global perspective. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morley, Mike W.; Goldberg, Paul
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 77(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Geoarchaeology -- Tropics -- Diagenesis -- Micromorphology -- Site formation processes; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2016.11.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: Geoarchaeological research is now commonly undertaken as an integral component of archaeological investigations across much of the world. However, in humid tropical regions there is a relative shortfall of this Earth-Science approach to understanding archaeological records. In these regions, where hot and humid conditions prevail for significant parts of the year, sedimentological records are prone to high levels of diagenesis, bioturbation and weathering. This means that understanding and quantifying archaeological site formation processes can be very challenging because we may not have sufficient existing data with which to decipher the stratigraphic (and microstratigraphic) features recorded in these sequences. In this paper we introduce a special issue of Journal of Archaeological Science in which we showcase a selection of geoarchaeological research from across the equatorial regions of five continents, highlighting the types of stratigraphic sequences and sedimentological features that are likely to be encountered, and evaluating the tools that can be employed to maximise the geoarchaeological potential of these unique records. Additionally, we use this opportunity to review geoarchaeology in the humid tropics from a global perspective, outlining the main problems that geoarchaeologists face working in these environments and the techniques available with which to mitigate them. Highlights: Review of geoarchaeological research in the humid tropics with a global perspective. Shows the importance of understanding geoarchaeological signatures derived from atypical humid tropical contexts. Aims to drive forward geoarchaeological research in relatively understudied tropical regions. Introduces research forming a special issue of Journal of Archaeological Science concerning humid tropical geoarchaeology.