Geoarchaeology

Summary

This comprehensive textbook is the first to offer an integrated approach to geoarchaeology -- the direct use of geologic concepts, methods, and knowledge to solve archaeological problems and interpret archaeological records. George (Rip) Rapp, Jr., and Christopher Hill frame geologic concepts within an archaeological context, offering specific examples that demonstrate how geologic methods can be used to interpret the human past. A wide-ranging introduction sets the historical and theoretical stage. Subsequent chapters cover sediments and soils; contexts of archaeological record formation; paleoenvironmental reconstructions; geologic raw materials and resources; provenance studies; geologic surveying, mapping, and remote sensing; and geologic aspects of construction, destruction, site preservation, and conservation. Rapp and Hill apply earth-science approaches in archaeological settings ranging from single occupation to multicomponent habitation. They describe solutions to such problems as artifact identification and description, the integrity of artifact sets, chronological context, paleo-landscape habitat, and human-environment interactions. Their well-illustrated book, complete with glossary, will appeal to undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in archaeology and anthropology, including those with limited earth-science experience. "The authors have provided much new information and many useful insights. This book fills a niche not occupied by any other text or reference work". -- Robert S. Sternberg, Franklin & Marshall College "This uniquely integrated collection represents an original approach and important contribution to the field of geoarchaeology". -- SarahJ. Vaughan, Department of Geology, University of Bristol

Author Biography

Christopher L. Hill is associate curator of archaeology and geology at the Museum of the Rockies and adjunct assistant professor of geology in the Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University.

Preface
Theoretical and Historical Overview	p. 1
Sediments and Soils and the Creation of the Archaeological Record	p. 18
Contexts of Archaeological Record Formation	p. 50
Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions: Humans, Climates, and Ancient Landscapes	p. 86
Raw Materials and Resources	p. 112
Provenance Studies	p. 134
Estimating Age in the Archaeological Record	p. 153
Geologic Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Surveying	p. 175
Construction, Destruction, Site Preservation, and Conservation	p. 198
Geologic Time Divisions	p. 223
Notes	p. 227
Glossary	p. 237
Bibliography	p. 241
Index	p. 255
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.

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