Geological work

Chiltern archaeology has many years of experience in geological surveys, auger traverses, sediment analyses, thin section work and lithic identification. Scroll down to discover what we can offer your field site, research project or business.

Geological surveys

A geological survey is an important part of every archaeological field report. The requirements of this part of the fieldwork or desk-based assessment will vary for each project. Even a full study of the geological background is by far the cheapest element of the field research and could save time and effort later in the project - and hence reduce costs overall.

By determining essential information on landscape, sediment and preservation potential amongst many other factors, the archaeological team are assisted by a well informed geological background. The full potential of the site may include information from the following list:

	geological overview as a basis for understanding the site - with or without a map or cross-section
	water resources (past, present or future)
	natural processes (which are often confused with or alter archaeological features)
	rock and sediment characterisation (identification together with interpretation of the processes or environments)
	identification and sourcing of lithics and building stones (local or exotic?)

Auger traverses

A rapid method of obtaining an overview of the geological character, soil profiles, sediment or rock depth.

In alluvial areas it has been very successful in locating palaeochannels and determining a history of sedimentation. This is a quick and easy method of analysis, but it is difficult in some terrain such as in a Clay-with-flints area, or where sediments and soils contain numerous large rocks.

Geological analyses

Further work can include:

	rock, sediment or lithic identification
	sourcing of lithic materials
	thin section analyses enabling more refined identification, characterisation and sourcing
	sediment analysis in terms of grain size parameters, grain type and character, sedimentary structures, etc leading to an environmental analysis

Contact us if you would like further information or a quote

chilternarchaeology@btopenworld.com

Byzantine pot under thin section analysis

Limestone thin section with interpretative drawing beneath.

Building stones present much evidence for source: lithology, sedimentary structures, fossils and microscopic features revealed under thin sectioning.