Frequently Asked Questions

Geoarchaeology is an interdisciplinary field combining geological and archaeological methods to investigate past human activities and environmental conditions. It employs earth science techniques including sedimentology, soil science, geochemistry, and geophysics to understand site formation processes, reconstruct paleoenvironments, and interpret archaeological contexts. Geoarchaeologists analyze soils, sediments, and landscapes to extract information about how archaeological deposits formed and how environmental conditions influenced human societies.

Our research focuses on the intersection of archaeology, geology, and soil science. We conduct stratigraphic analysis of archaeological deposits, soil micromorphological investigations, sedimentological studies, geochemical characterization, paleoenvironmental reconstruction using isotopic and paleobotanical proxies, and landscape-scale investigations integrating remote sensing with ground-based analysis. Our work spans multiple temporal periods and geographic regions, addressing questions about human-environment interactions, site formation processes, and long-term landscape evolution.

We are based in Oxford, United Kingdom, at 27 Stratton Close, Oxford, OX4 1DN. However, our research projects span multiple countries and continents. We collaborate with institutions globally and conduct fieldwork in diverse geographic and environmental contexts.

We employ a comprehensive suite of geoarchaeological techniques including: soil micromorphology (thin-section analysis under polarizing microscopy), particle size analysis, geochemical profiling using pXRF and ICP-MS, stable isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, magnetic susceptibility measurements, phytolith and pollen analysis, radiocarbon and OSL dating, GIS-based spatial analysis, and integration of remote sensing data including LiDAR and multispectral imagery. Our multi-proxy approach ensures robust interpretations based on complementary lines of evidence.

We maintain rigorous quality control through standardized protocols, regular instrument calibration, analysis of reference materials, participation in inter-laboratory comparison exercises, and replication of key analyses. All methodologies follow established international standards. We document sampling strategies, analytical procedures, and potential sources of uncertainty transparently in our publications. Raw data and metadata are archived systematically to ensure long-term accessibility and enable future reanalysis as methodologies advance.

We support open science principles and make research data accessible where possible, consistent with ethical obligations and any restrictions imposed by collaborative agreements or heritage protection requirements. Published datasets are typically archived in appropriate repositories with permanent identifiers. For questions about data availability or requests for specific datasets, please contact us directly. We welcome opportunities for data reuse in further research and encourage meta-analytical studies that synthesize findings across multiple projects.

Yes, we actively seek collaborative research opportunities with academic institutions, heritage organizations, governmental agencies, and independent researchers. Successful collaborations are built on shared research interests, complementary expertise, and clear agreements about roles, responsibilities, and intellectual property. If you have a potential collaboration in mind, please contact us with a brief description of the proposed research, anticipated timescales, and how our expertise could contribute to project goals.

Yes, we offer consulting services for archaeological projects requiring geoarchaeological expertise. Services include sampling strategy design, on-site sedimentological assessment, interpretation of geophysical survey results, coordination of laboratory analyses, integration of geoarchaeological data with archaeological findings, and preparation of technical reports. We work with both research excavations and commercial archaeological projects. Contact us to discuss your project requirements and obtain a consultation proposal.

We periodically offer training workshops in geoarchaeological methodologies including field sampling techniques, sediment description and analysis, soil micromorphology interpretation, and integration of geoscientific data with archaeological interpretation. Workshops are designed for graduate students, early-career researchers, and archaeological professionals seeking to expand their methodological capabilities. Information about upcoming training opportunities is posted on our website and distributed through our newsletter.

Our research team publishes in peer-reviewed academic journals specializing in archaeology, quaternary science, geoarchaeology, and earth sciences. Selected publications and research summaries are featured in the Blog section of this website. For comprehensive publication lists, references to specific studies, or requests for reprints, please contact us directly. We support open access publication where possible and maintain an institutional repository of our research outputs.

Yes, website content may be cited with appropriate attribution. For academic citations, please include the page title, "GeoPast Chronicles," the URL, and access date. However, for scholarly work, we recommend citing our peer-reviewed publications rather than website content where possible, as journal articles undergo rigorous peer review and provide more detailed methodological and interpretive information. Contact us if you need assistance identifying relevant publications for your research.

We welcome proposals for collaborative publications that advance geoarchaeological knowledge through synthesis, methodological innovation, or presentation of significant new data. Guest contributions to our website blog may be considered if they align with our research focus and meet our standards for scientific rigor and clear communication. Proposals should include an abstract, outline of key points, and information about the authors' expertise. Contact us to discuss potential contributions.

Sample size requirements vary by analytical technique. Soil micromorphology requires intact samples approximately 6-10 cm in dimension. Particle size analysis typically needs 10-50 grams of sediment. Geochemical analysis via pXRF is non-destructive, while ICP-MS requires small sample amounts (typically <1 gram). Radiocarbon dating of charcoal requires at least 10-20 mg, though modern AMS techniques can date smaller samples. For isotopic analysis, requirements range from milligrams to grams depending on the specific analysis and material type. We can advise on appropriate sample sizes during project planning.

Timeframes vary depending on analytical complexity, sample quantity, and laboratory queue times. Basic sediment characterization may be completed within weeks, while comprehensive multi-proxy investigations including micromorphology and chronometric dating can require several months. Radiocarbon dating typically takes 4-8 weeks after sample submission to specialized laboratories. Soil micromorphology, including sample preparation, thin-section production, and analysis, generally requires 2-4 months. We provide estimated timelines during project planning and maintain communication about progress throughout analysis.