Geoarchaeology:Home

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What is Geoarchaeology?
Geoarchaeology is essentially the application of earth science techniques to archaeological questions. This rather wide definition is also often taken to include geophysical and dating techniques.

For the purposes of SASSA, geoarchaeology is taken to mean the application of geomorphology, sedimentology, pedology, and stratigraphy to study the landforms, sediments and soils that form archaeological sites and landscapes.

Archaeological sites consist of a series of anthropogenic and natural soils and sediments. Geoarchaeology, therefore, can be pivotal to understanding site formation if the right questions are asked and appropriate techniques are used. Choose to find out more about different aspects of geoarchaeology by clicking on the links below, or use the Forward buttons at the bottom of the page to be taken through a tutorial exploring the scope and applications of geoarchaeology.


 * The Scope of Geoarchaeology
 * Geoarchaeological Research Questions
 * Scale in Geoarchaeology