Field Analysis:Geology Maps

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Geological maps
Geological maps show the solid bedrock and/or the overlying surficial deposits (including peat, alluvium, river terrace deposits, glacial till and moraine, and loess). It must be remembered though that the original mapping may have been carried out at a large scale hence geological maps may not be wholly accurate at the site scale.



Geology may also provide information on geological faulting and the relative geological age of different units. In general this information is of less interest archaeologically. However, in certain circumstances understanding patterns of faulting and strata dip can be invaluable in interpreting site formation processes, as for example at fault bounded tell site at Lefkandi, Euboea, Greece. Geophysical and geochemical properties may also be mapped though because of their scale these are usually of less interest archaeologically.

Geological maps provide information on the likely range of natural and locally imported stone and sediments, and of the likely drainage status, geochemistry, magnetic properties, and preservation potential of the soils developed in them. Identifying geological changes across a site can also help explain the differences in archaeological preservation, which are often seen.

Example

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