Geoarchaeology

Geoarchaeology is a multidisciplinary field of study that applies the theories and techniques of the geosciences to archaeology. It draws on techniques and approaches from geomorphology, sedimentology, pedology, stratigraphy, and geochronology to interpret sediments, soils, and landforms in archaeological investigations to inform archaeological and chronological knowledge and thought. Geoarchaeologists study the natural physical processes that affect archaeological sites such as geomorphology, for example, and their effects on buried sites and artifacts post-deposition.

Geoarchaeologists' work frequently involves studying the soils and sediments of archaeological sites and the surrounding region to inform archaeological research. Geoarchaeologists also frequently use tools such as computer cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital elevation models (DEM) in combination with disciplines from human and social sciences and earth sciences to inform their investigations and interpretations of sites.

Geoarchaeology is important because it informs archaeologists about the geology of the site, including the geomorphology of the soil and sediment. It also places artifacts and landforms present in the site into relative and absolute temporal context to better inform archaeological interpretations.

Geoarchaeology is considered a subfield of environmental archaeology because it utilizes similar concepts and techniques and applies them to address the same archaeological problems.