Geoarchaeological Investigations in Mesoamerica Move into the 21st Century: A Review

Over the past thirty years, geoarchaeology has moved from the fringe to mainstream status within Mesoamerican archaeological investigations. This review focuses on works published since the year 2000. Five themes are identified as central to recent studies: (1) the correlation of environmental change and cultural history; (2) anthropogenic environmental impacts; (3) ancient land cover, land use, and diet; (4) archaeological prospection; and (5) provenance studies. These themes are often interwoven in the application of complex systems approaches that allow scientists to more accurately model the intricacies of ancient human–environment interactions.     

Multi-proxy geoarchaeological study redefines understanding of the paleocoastlines and ancient harbours of Liman Tepe (Iskele, Turkey)

Determining the position of Liman Tepe's (ancient `Clazomenae') archaeological features relative to the coastline is important for understanding their intended function and reconstructing the character of Aegean maritime activities and sea-based trade. Previous attempts at reconstructing harbour locations at Liman Tepe relied on extrapolating paleoenvironments based on modern surface topography. In light of this, samples from a sediment coring survey and terrestrial and underwater archaeological excavations were analysed using multi-proxy geoarchaeological methods to determine paleoenvironmental facies. Micropaleontological (foraminifera), sedimentological (grain-size analysis) and geochemical (δ¹³C/δ¹⁸O) analyses resulted in the reconstruction of the coastal paleogeomorphology, including the presence and absence of ancient harbouring areas. Neither of the previous coastal reconstructions was supported by the new results. Instead, two separate harbouring areas were recognized, one coincident with the Early Bronze Age (4800–3900 years bp) and a second during the archaic and classical periods ( c. 2800–2400 years bp). These results emphasize the necessity for multi-proxy geoarchaeological studies when approaching coastal archaeological sites as a means to reconstruct paleocoastal geomorphology and understand ancient maritime development better .     

Geoarchaeological sea-level proxies from a silted up harbour: A case study of the Roman colony of Luni (northern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain.Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths.Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.     

数据预处理技术在地学大数据中应用

大数据时代随着数据的爆发式增长,在带来可供研究的海量数据的同时,也带来巨量的噪声和冗余数据。在地学领域,由于研究方向和技术方法手段的多样化,产生了数据量巨大和类型众多的地学数据集合。在地学信息的研究过程中,经常碰到地学信息孤岛,分图幅地学数据边界系统误差和地学文档的非结构化问题。在对地学数据进行信息的提取和挖掘之前,必须根据研究目的对地学大数据进行预处理,使冗余、复杂的大数据转为结构化、准确、可用的数据。本文以地学大数据的预处理技术为切入点,从地学数据交互标准与语义、数据调平、地质图接边和文本结构化等四个研究方面,分析阐述目前地学大数据挖掘方面存在的问题及主要的解决手段,同时也对多元数据融合在大数据中的应用进行了阐述。希望通过本文对地学大数据预处理技术的探讨,能对地学大数据的挖掘有所帮助。     

Infrared reflection spectrometry analysis as a non‐destructive method of characterizing minerals and stone materials in geoarchaeological and archaeometric applications

The purpose of this paper is to show the benefits and applications of using mid and far infrared reflection spectrometry (IRS) in the analysis of archaeological materials. Infrared spectral databases do not yet exist for rocks and principal minerals. In support of IRS techniques, a catalogue and new spectral database have been created with over 500 infrared reflection spectra in mid and far ranges from more than 250 different archaeological minerals and stone materials. The reflection spectrum serves as a “fingerprint” of all these materials. This new, non‐destructive method is useful for spectrometric identification and crystal chemical characterization of many rocks and minerals commonly found in archaeological contexts. Three brief examples of IRS analysis of archaeological materials are presented as test cases. It is suggested that IRS could and should become a routine approach in geoarchaeology and archaeometry for identification and provenance studies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Perspectives on the geoarchaeology of the Lower Mississippi Valley

The impact of Harold N. Fisk's work on the archaeology and geoarchaeology of the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) has been monumental. As a result of his landmark publications on the geology of the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River our comprehension of the interplay between geological, geomorphic, and human actions is relatively well developed. However, geologists and archaeologists still need to work together more closely to appreciate and understand the contributions each field has to offer. Examination of the interplay between geologists and archaeologists in the realm of dating and landscape evolution provides the basis for an investigation of the state of geoarchaeology in the LMV today. Integration of research demands an appreciation of scale which must be approached from an historical perspective. Humans have, both in the past and the present, impacted the natural environment of the Mississippi River and its floodplain. Only when this fact is fully appreciated by archaeologists and geologists alike will it be possible to forge a new synthesis of the relationship between the dynamic alluvial valley and its human occupants.     

汶川及彭州、都江堰市地区旅游资源开发前景初探

什邡县、彭州市、都江堰市、汶川县等地，分布着诸多的旅游景点，形成了一个特殊的集山景、水景、生景、气景和文景的旅游片区。根据景点的开发情况和地质地貌景象特征，可以划分为已开发旅游景区、待开发旅游景区、地学景观资源区三大类。本文对待开发旅游景区、地学景观资源进行了初步探讨。     

Archaeological remains as sea level change markers: A review

The Mediterranean Sea constitutes a unique basin from an historical and archaeological point of view, as it has been a privileged way of communication for thousands of years for the people that dwelled on its shores. Their passage has left many traces on the seabeds in the areas where the ancient commercial routes passed, and remains of structures where moorings, havens or dwellings existed. Some of these structures, nowadays submerged, offer interesting indications aiding the reconstruction of the ancient coastlines. This contribution aims to examine recent work in coastal geo-archaeology, targeting both (1) gathering and discussion of the data, particularly those pertaining to the Italian coasts; and (2) commentary on the methodological debate and verification of the possibility of a protocol that may contain unequivocal referring elements.To investigate the archaeological evidence currently underwater because of the relative sea level variations (harbour infrastructures, fishponds, villae maritimae, caves – nymphaei, private or public buildings or town quarters, pre- and protohistorical villages, quarries, caves, etc.), a clear and more coherent methodological assumption may be needed. The archaeological interpretation must initially establish the maritime and/or harbour nature and vocation of the site, determine its typology and specific usage, analyze the elements of its building techniques (that reveal themselves as meaningful markers of height or depth at the time of building) and its “functional” elements (the measure of the emerged part with respect to the average sea level), and point out the time of construction, its chronological range of usage/frequentation, the dynamics of its abandonment/destruction/obliteration.The evaluation of both the height and functional depth to the mean sea level depends on the typology of the archaeological evidence, its use and the local tide amplitudes. The surface of a pier surely has a functional elevation different from that of a haulage area or a platea or a pavement.     

研究岩溶洞穴堆积的旅游地学意义

我国丰富的岩溶洞穴资源的开发,目前多处于供观赏形态的初期阶段,未赋予旅游地学内涵。将岩溶洞穴堆积研究与旅游地学相结合,不仅可恢复洞穴古水文状况,探究洞穴成因,具有科学研究价值;而且可以指导合理开发利用和科学保护这些地质遗迹,具有重大的经济效益、社会效益和环境效益。     

Quantitative Geoscience and Geological Big Data Development: A Review

After long-term development, mathematical geology has today become an independent discipline. Big Data science, which has become a new scientific paradigm in the 21 st century, gives rise to the geological Big Data, i.e. mathematical geology and quantitative geoscience. Thanks to a robust macro strategy for big data, China’s quantitative geoscience and geological big data’s rapid development meets present requirements and has kept up with international levels. This paper presents China’s decade-long achievements in quantitative prediction and assessment of mineral resources, geoscience information and software systems, geological information platform development, etc., with an emphasis on application of geological big data in informatics, quantitative mineral prediction, geological environment and disaster management, digital land survey, digital city, etc. Looking ahead, mathematical geology is moving towards "Digital Geology", "Digital Land" and "Geological Cloud", eventually realizing China’s grand "Digital China" blueprint, and these valuable results will be showcased on the international academic arena.     

A geoarchaeological approach to the evolution of the town and port of Dover: Prehistoric to Saxon periods

Dover is located at the mouth of a narrow valley that forms the only significant break in almost 20 km of chalk cliffs along the Kentish Channel coast. This, together with the close proximity of the Continent, has ensured the site's standing as a port since pre-Roman times. However, little is known of the sequence of events associated with the transformation of the area since the later prehistoric period, and in particular the evolution of the harbour which has had at least four different locations. Work to regenerate central Dover has however provided opportunities to address these issues and we report here on geological evidence for harbour development and coastal change from the middle Holocene period to the present day.Foraminifera and ostracods recovered from boreholes and excavations in the town centre allow patterns of sedimentation to be identified and linked to archaeological finds such as the Dover Bronze Age Boat and Roman harbour installations. Radiocarbon dating, and archaeological spot-dating provides a chronological framework for these changes. In particular the later Prehistoric environments and their transformation to estuarine environments by the time of Roman activity in the area are examined (including the role of sea level change and coastal erosion). The history of sedimentation within the Roman harbour and the role played by human activity in accelerating sedimentation in the old valley mouth is also considered. Finally dune formation across former estuarine habitats is documented in the Anglo-Saxon period creating the topographic template on which the modern town is based.     

岩矿地球化学分析测试技术在古代玉器产地溯源中的应用及进展

古玉产地溯源研究对揭示文明早期玉石资源开发利用和跨区域物质、文化交流等都具有重要的意义。由于测试分析手段及研究样品本身的制约,古玉产地溯源至今仍然是制约古玉文化交流研究的难题及瓶颈。近年来,随着研究的深入及科学测试手段的进步,地质、考古及文博界开展了更为密切的跨学科合作,对古代玉器产地溯源技术进行了许多新的探索,并取得了一些较为重要的成果。本文在团队工作及前人研究的基础上,对质子激发X射线荧光(PIXE)、X射线荧光光谱(XRF)、激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)、电子探针(EPMA)等多种主微量元素地球化学分析测试技术及放射性同位素、稳定同位素地球化学技术在古代玉器产地溯源的应用情况进行了梳理,综合分析了不同测试方法在古玉溯源中的工作进展,并对当前古玉产地溯源研究中存在的问题进行了探讨。总体来说,岩矿地球化学分析测试技术的应用对古玉溯源研究起到了重要的推动作用,而对已知玉矿资源系统的地质学研究及玉料的主微量元素、同位素地球化学数据库的建设和新的无损、样品尺寸不受限的原位岩矿地球化学分析技术的开发及其在古玉样品测试中的大规模应用,应是未来古玉溯源研究工作的重点方向。     

试论地球内部流体与地质作用——现代地质科学研究思考

把以地球固体部分作为主要研究对象所建立起来的地质科学称为传统地质科学,它只在该学科研究的起点——沉积地质学和学科研究的最终目的——成矿地质学两个领域不自觉地将地球内部流体放到了重要地位,而在其间的绝大多数研究则忽略了对地球内部流体的讨论,在其原有的知识体系范围内已找不到关于地球内部物质和能量转移、转换等方面所存在的大量问题的解决途径和完整答案。现代地质科学的发展已经开始将地球内部流体作为主要研究对象,并将其贯穿到了所有地质学研究的领域当中。其基本出发点应是：地球内部流体广泛存在,并永不停息地运动着,它与固体地球部分同样重要,是现代地质科学研究的主要对象。它不仅在各种地质作用中起着极其重要的作用, 而且, 它基本上可以认为是一切地质作用的最初根源, 也就是说, 流体作用贯穿于一切地质作用( 包括构造活动、岩浆作用、变质作用、沉积作用、成矿作用、地质自然灾害等) 过程的始终。地球内部一切地质作用又通过地球内部流体有机地统一在一起。可将地球内部流体按其与特定地质作用的关系划分为具包含循环性质的初始流体、过程流体和终结流体三类。针对目前的研究大量地集中在过程流体和终结流体方面的现状, 在体现现代地质科学和传统地质科学本质区别的地质作用初始流体方面进行了系统整理和论述, 并提出了可能成为现代地质科学基础性学科的(地球内部) 流体统一地质学。     

青海可可西里地质遗迹及其构造演化

青海可可西里自石炭纪以来经历了复杂的构造演化和地表过程,形成了集高山、宽谷、夷平面、冰川、热泉、河流和湖泊等地貌元素为一体的高原高寒地貌,同时还包括了蛇绿混杂岩带、活动断裂带、地震遗迹和火山遗迹等地质元素。在调研前人研究资料和实地野外考察基础之上,根据IUCN(2005)提出的13类地质主题分类标准将区内的地质遗迹分为地质构造、火山和地热遗迹、山脉、地层剖面、河流和湖泊、现代冰川、冰期遗迹7类,共计60余处地质遗迹点。可可西里地质遗迹对重建古特提斯构造域、研究天然地震机制、青藏高原北部隆升过程及全球气候变化均具有重要的意义。基于可可西里区内地质遗迹和前人资料恢复出可可西里石炭纪以来经历了8个构造演化阶段。     

云南"十五"区域地质调查取得丰硕成果

“十五”期间承担区域地质调查项目七项18个图幅。地层古生物、区域岩石及地质构造、地质灾害、矿产资源及旅游地学等方面取得较多的新成果和新认识。提交地质图及地质报告外,还提交专题研究成果7份,以测区所收集的地质资料为基础编写硕士论文7篇,公开发表文章7篇,从而极大地提高了云南及西藏基础地质的研究程度和水平。     

关于新时代实物地质资料科普发展的思考 ——以自然资源实物地质资料中心为例

实物地质资料是地质工作形成的最直接、最重要成果的体现,是地下地质情况最真实的信息记录载体,蕴藏着丰富的地质信息和地学知识,并具有原始性、唯一性、不可再生性、潜在价值巨大、获取成本高等特点,对我国国民经济建设和社会发展以及地球科学研究、地学科普等具有重要支撑作用。充分利用数字化、信息提取与挖掘、虚拟现实、互联网等技术,将实物地质资料科学、高效利用起来,切实转变实物地质资料科普观念,加强实物地质资料科普化研究,丰富实物地质资料科普形式,注重实物地质资料科普人才队伍建设,推进新时代实物地质资料科普工作高质量发展,进一步增强科普功能,提升新时代全民地球科学素养,对构建世界一流的岩芯管理体系具有重要现实意义。     

Roman road pollution assessed by elemental and lead isotope geochemistry in East Belgium

The ability of inorganic geochemistry to record environmental change and especially human impact has been evidenced by several studies across Europe, especially in peat, where it is possible to record the impact of agriculture, mining and other industries. However, despite the numerous investigations on the impact of ancient human activities such as ore mining and smelting, little attention has been paid to geochemistry as a tool to solve problems of palaeopollution in the surroundings of archaeological sites. This paper presents geochemical evidence of the impact of a possible early Roman road built in SE Belgian peatland. Increased Zn and Pb concentrations suggest that Pb–Zn ores were transported on the road. Lead isotope analyses suggest that these ores are locally derived, being compatible with those found in the nearby Pb–Zn ore deposits from East Belgium. Present results provide direct evidence that East Belgian Pb–Zn ores were already being mined during Roman times, i.e. earlier than previously suspected (i.e. 14th century) and that Zn appears to be relatively immobile here. On a broader scale, it also demonstrates that such an early road already had an impact on the environment in terms of metal pollution. This paper enlarges on the range of possibilities offered by geochemistry in the field of geoarchaeology.     

The Purpose and Age of Underwater Walls in the Bay of Elaia of Western Turkey: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Pergamum (modern: Bergama) was operating an important harbour used by military forces and merchants at the city of Elaia during Hellenistic and Roman Imperial times. Harbour‐related facilities such as warehouses, breakwaters and wharfs document the importance of this harbour site not only for the Pergamenians. This paper focuses on the purpose and age of six submerged wall structures situated approximately 1 km south of the ancient closed harbour basin of Elaia. Geoelectric cross‐sections and semi‐aquatic coring near these walls failed to detect any solid basement under the walls which excludes their possible use as breakwaters or wharfs. Instead, the walls were most likely delineating and separating evaporation ponds of salt works, which compares well with similar structures from other periods and places around the Mediterranean. Combined OSL and ¹⁴C‐dating determined the construction age of the installation between the 4th and 6th centuries A.D. Subsequent (re‐)uses are likely and are in agreement with findings from archaeological surveys.     

关于中国大陆动力学与造山带研究的几点思考

根据人类社会和我国发展的新需求和当代地学的新发展，就我国大陆动力学造山带研究的学术思路、起点、科学目标和关键科学问题与主要研究内容及方法进行了分析讨论，提出了几点思考建议。面对地学 发展的挑战与机遇，制定地学前沿领域研究战略，面向全球，从我国大陆地质实际出发，充分发挥地域优势与特色，突出中国大陆动力学关键科学问题，建立持续研究基地，重点解剖，重点突破。以大陆动力学研究为突破口、源头创新，参与国际地学发展与竞争，进入世界地学先进行列，为我国从地学大国走向地学强国而努力，作为中国应有的贡献。     

跨世纪中国地质学发展的途径

为加速中国跨世纪地球科学的发展，作者提出在指导思想上应结束当前侧重追随模仿的被动局面，发挥中国地域地质特色的优越条件和已建立的学科优越领域及国际影响，作为制订发展总体框架和优先发展领域的基本出发点。建议兼顾演化与运动两个重点研究方向，提倡野外实地科考与高新技术并重；对古今中外理论都应一分为二地学习，博取众长，扬弃创新，建立既有全球意义又密切联系中国实际，更有成效为发展经济服务，并推动世界地球科学发展的新理论、新学科。文中提出优先发展的领域为：①开辟研究大地构造学的新路──历史动力大地构造学：②大陆岩石圈造盆─造山带的历史─动力学；③东亚大陆边缘岩石圈结构和演化与运动。