Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology Course

Location: Athens, Greece

Season: May 19, 2025 to May 23, 2025

Session Dates: May 19-23, 2025

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.ascsa.edu.gr/programs/summer-archaeological-science-courses/wl-micromorphology-summer-course

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Project Director:
Dr. Panagiotis (Takis) Karkanas, Director of the Wiener Laboratory, and Dr. Paul Goldberg, Senior Visiting Professor, Institut für Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie (INA), University of Tübingen

Project Description:

An intensive week-long course in Archaeological Micromorphology is offered by the Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science. Dr. Panagiotis (Takis) Karkanas, Director of the Wiener Laboratory, and Dr. Paul Goldberg, Senior Visiting Professor, Institut für Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie (INA), University of Tübingen, will lead the course. The program will primarily focus on deciphering site formation processes and micro-stratigraphy. Students will receive instruction in optical mineralogy, description, and interpretation of micromorphological thin sections based on analysis of soil fabrics and sedimentary microstructures.

Training will include the study of:
• Soils and pedogenic processes
• Natural processes in archaeological sites (e.g. water and debris flows, wind-blown sediment, standing water sediment)
• Biological sediments (e.g., dung, coprolites, guano)
• Anthropogenic processes (e.g., burning, stabling, living and constructed floors, dumping and filling, trampling, raking, building materials)
• Post-depositional alterations (e.g., chemical diagenesis, bioturbation)

A maximum of 9 students will be accepted for the course. Preference is given to advanced students with a background in geoarchaeology, and preferably some exposure to optical mineralogy as well. Training fee is 500 euros ($555 USD) for the entire week. Accommodation is not provided, but we will offer recommendations and assistance to course participants in order to arrange accommodation themselves. The course will take place from May 19-23, 2025.

Applications should be submitted no later than January 15, 2024 via the online application form.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: May 19-23, 2025

Minimum Age: 18

Room and Board Arrangements:
Training fee is 500 euros ($555 USD) for the entire week. Accommodation is not provided, but we will offer recommendations and assistance to course participants in order to arrange accommodation themselves. Travel costs to and within Athens are not included.