Geoarchaeology and Forensic Geology
Programme leaders: David Nobes and Kari Bassett
Contributors: Richard Holdaway
External Collaborators: Roger Fyfe (Canterbury Museum), Harry Jol (University of Wisconsion Eau Claire), Chris Jacomb (Historic Places Trust), Michael Lever (Canterbury Hospital), Ngai Tahu iwi and runanga.
The use of geological and geophysical methods for the examination of human history has been increasing in the department. These include both archeological investigations and modern forensic investigations in the law enforcement and health sectors.
Specific projects include:
- Non-invasive, non-destructive geophysical mapping of archæological sites, in particular of burial sites.
- Investigation of the variability of the geophysical response of archæological sites as a function of climatic and geological setting, and the correlation of the geophysical response with the structure and stratigraphy of archæological sites.
- Investigation of the stratigraphy of archæological sites to investigate the influence of anthropogenic activity on changes in erosion and sediment flux to document land use changes.
- Investigation of mineralogic and geochemical signatures to determine provenance of artefacts and made soils.
- Trace element geochemical signatures of New Zealand greenstone.
- Non-invasive, non-destructive geophysical mapping for forensic investigations.
- Mineralogy and composition of human kidney stones.
Recently Completed Postgraduate Theses (2003-present):
Bateman, L., 2003. Applications of near-surface geophysics in the search for graves in Maori urupa. (BSc(Hons) ENGE)