Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry
The GeoArc Laboratory for Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry include all technical and scientific skills, also analytical instrumentations, of IGAG Department of the Earth Science and Engineering. All this know-how is applied in the field of archeology.
Multidisciplinary Applications
Physical stratigraphy, analysis of pedo-morpho-sedimentary and paleontological facies (pollens, plant macro-remains, ostracods) of archaeological successions aimed at reconstructing the processes of formation and paleoenvironmental evolution of archaeological sites.
Geochronology, mainly U/Th and tephrochronology, used for dating archeologic levels and to rebuild biocultural evolution.
Petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry of the major and trace elements, geochemistry of radiogenic (Sr and Nd) and stable (C, H, N, S, O) isotopes, aimed at the mineral-petrographic, geochemical and geochemical-isotopic characterization of archaeological materials for the purpose of reconstruction of their origins and their diffusion and trade.
Characterization of solid archaeological finds by non-destructive methodology.
Light Stable Isotope Geochemistry (C, H, N, S, O) of plant, faunal and human remains of archaeological sites aimed at paleoclimatic-environmental and paleodiet reconstructions.
Gas (CO2, CH4, H2S and Rn) and Stable Isotope (C, H present in CO2 and CH4) Geochemistry applied to evaluation of air quality and of risk from ionizing radiation for workers in confine archological sites such as catacombs, hypogea, caves and cavities in general.
Geophysics and geotechnics applied to archeology for the identification, monitoring and analysis of the stability of archaeological structures and sites and for the physical-mechanical characterization of geological and derivative materials in archeology;
Aerial photogrammetry and photogrammetry applied to archeology for the reconstruction of 3D models of the territory, of artifacts and finds.
Study of the territory (landscape analysis), that is the synergistic set of physical and cultural characteristics of the landscape and the reciprocal interactions between the natural environment and anthropogenic activities, with particular attention to large archaeological areas, ancient roads and “open-air museums “;
Evaluation of hydrogeologic risk in areas of archaeological, historical or cultural interest.
Environmental and Microclimatic Monitoring applied to the use and conservation of cultural heritage.
Dissemination and training activities in the context of educational projects and school-work alternation (e.g. experimental archeology, archaeometry).
Area della Ricerca di Roma 1 – Montelibretti, Via Salaria km 29,300 – 00015 Monterotondo (RM)
Dr. Mario Voltaggio
+39. 06.90672609
