Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology Course, Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science, American School of Classical Studies at Athens, June 22–26, 2020

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, Visiting Professorial Fellow at the University of Wollongong, will lead the course, which will primarily focus on deciphering site formation processes and micro-stratigraphy. Students will receive instruction in optical mineralogy, description of micromorphological thin sections, and 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 8 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 350 euros for the entire week. Accommodation is not provided.